Depression in womenis serious. It’s a mental health condition that can affect any woman at any age. It can even be a concern for pregnant women. In fact, someresearchsuggests that an estimated 4% – 20% of pregnant women experience severe depression during pregnancy. For many of them, symptoms of depression can be so severe that medication is needed. One of the most commonpsychiatrist prescribed medicationsfor treating depression isProzac(Fluoxetine).Since we’re taught that we should try to avoid so many things while pregnant, it’s natural to question the safety of Prozac and pregnancy. Keep reading to learn more before you consider seekingProzac onlineor through a prescription at a pharmacy.

Depression in womenis serious. It’s a mental health condition that can affect any woman at any age. It can even be a concern for pregnant women. In fact, someresearchsuggests that an estimated 4% – 20% of pregnant women experience severe depression during pregnancy. For many of them, symptoms of depression can be so severe that medication is needed. One of the most commonpsychiatrist prescribed medicationsfor treating depression isProzac(Fluoxetine).

Since we’re taught that we should try to avoid so many things while pregnant, it’s natural to question the safety of Prozac and pregnancy. Keep reading to learn more before you consider seekingProzac onlineor through a prescription at a pharmacy.

Is It Safe to Take Prozac While Pregnant?

Unfortunately, the answer to the questionis Prozac safe during pregnancyisn’t simple. Every woman’s situation will vary depending on medical history and current health status before and during pregnancy. TheAmerican College of Obstetricians and Gynecologistsrecommends discussing all treatment options with a healthcare provider before making any decisions about taking medication while pregnant — this includes Prozac or other SSRI antidepressants like Zoloft (Sertraline) or Celexa (Citalopram).

Prozac prescription onlineGet an evaluation and prescription for Prozac from a psychiatric provider licensed in your state.Get started

Prozac prescription onlineGet an evaluation and prescription for Prozac from a psychiatric provider licensed in your state.

Prozac prescription online

Get an evaluation and prescription for Prozac from a psychiatric provider licensed in your state.

“Unfortunately, there is limited information on the safety of Prozac during pregnancy. Most information discusses how risk cannot be ruled out. Please speak with your prescriber and your OB/GYN regarding your use of Prozac during pregnancy.”

Ultimately, the bottom line is thatresearch showsintervention — at the very least in the form of therapy — should be strongly considered to control symptoms of depression in pregnant women. Talk to your doctor if you’re feeling depressed and like you need help getting through your pregnancy.

How much Prozac is safe to take during pregnancy?

Because it’s difficult to answer the question conclusively, there isn’t an actual Prozac pregnancy dosage that’s recommended. Doctors should always evaluate the pros and cons of use before advising if Prozac and pregnancy is the best option for a pregnant woman.

What does Prozac do to a fetus?

Manystudieshave been conducted to investigate theside effects of Prozacrelating to pregnancy and the potential risk to fetuses in utero. However, results from these studies are mixed and inconclusive.

While most research to date has failed to find a pattern of abnormalities, some suggest that exposure to SSRIs like Fluoxetine might lead to an increased risk of heart conditions or other congenital disabilities, especially when exposure occurs in the stages of late pregnancy rather than early pregnancy. Additionally,some researchfinds that up to 25% – 30% of newborns exposed to SSRI medication late in gestation are born with symptoms of poor neonatal adaptation.

What if You’re Already Taking ProzacIf you were already taking an antidepressant like Prozac before becoming pregnant,do notdiscontinue use without consulting your healthcare provider first. Abruptly stopping any medication can cause more harm than good, both physically and mentally, due to Prozac withdrawal symptoms.If you’re concerned about Prozac and pregnancy, talk to your doctor as soon as possible — they can suggest a safe way to wean off the drug. Or, if they deem it necessary after assessing your condition, your doctor might recommend continuing use throughout pregnancy under their careful supervision.“If you were already taking Prozac prior to finding out you were pregnant, it’s important to phone your prescriber and OB/GYN to discuss this. It can be unsafe to quit certain medications cold turkey, so if it’s necessary to discontinue your Prozac, it’s important to do so under the supervision of your doctor.”–Talkspace therapist Ashley Ertel, LCSW, BCD, C-DBT, CLC

What if You’re Already Taking Prozac

If you were already taking an antidepressant like Prozac before becoming pregnant,do notdiscontinue use without consulting your healthcare provider first. Abruptly stopping any medication can cause more harm than good, both physically and mentally, due to Prozac withdrawal symptoms.

If you’re concerned about Prozac and pregnancy, talk to your doctor as soon as possible — they can suggest a safe way to wean off the drug. Or, if they deem it necessary after assessing your condition, your doctor might recommend continuing use throughout pregnancy under their careful supervision.

“If you were already taking Prozac prior to finding out you were pregnant, it’s important to phone your prescriber and OB/GYN to discuss this. It can be unsafe to quit certain medications cold turkey, so if it’s necessary to discontinue your Prozac, it’s important to do so under the supervision of your doctor.”

Which is the Safest Antidepressant During Pregnancy?There really isn’t one single “safest” antidepressant available to take during pregnancy. Every woman’s unique needs must be considered when determining which option would provide maximum benefit with minimal risk. These factors include severity of symptoms, higher risk/benefit ratio, past response to similar medications, family history, pre-existing conditions, and more.If you’re considering taking an antidepressant while pregnant but aren’t sure if Prozac is right for you, talk to your doctor. Other drugs — likeZoloft(Sertraline), Celexa (Citalopram),Lexapro(Escitalopram), or Wellbutrin SR/XL (bupropion) might be alternatives.These medications have all been studied extensively in both humans and animals. They’re considered generally safe options when taken under medical supervision throughout your pregnancy journey — from conception to delivery. Of course, like any medication taken while pregnant, there are risks involved with each of them.“It’s important to determine the best option for your circumstance only after discussing the risks and benefits with your prescriber. The risks of not treating depression during pregnancy can often outweigh the risks of medication use; however, this is a decision that should be made in conjunction with your healthcare professionals.”–Talkspace therapist Ashley Ertel, LCSW, BCD, C-DBT, CLC

Which is the Safest Antidepressant During Pregnancy?

There really isn’t one single “safest” antidepressant available to take during pregnancy. Every woman’s unique needs must be considered when determining which option would provide maximum benefit with minimal risk. These factors include severity of symptoms, higher risk/benefit ratio, past response to similar medications, family history, pre-existing conditions, and more.If you’re considering taking an antidepressant while pregnant but aren’t sure if Prozac is right for you, talk to your doctor. Other drugs — likeZoloft(Sertraline), Celexa (Citalopram),Lexapro(Escitalopram), or Wellbutrin SR/XL (bupropion) might be alternatives.These medications have all been studied extensively in both humans and animals. They’re considered generally safe options when taken under medical supervision throughout your pregnancy journey — from conception to delivery. Of course, like any medication taken while pregnant, there are risks involved with each of them.“It’s important to determine the best option for your circumstance only after discussing the risks and benefits with your prescriber. The risks of not treating depression during pregnancy can often outweigh the risks of medication use; however, this is a decision that should be made in conjunction with your healthcare professionals.”–Talkspace therapist Ashley Ertel, LCSW, BCD, C-DBT, CLC

There really isn’t one single “safest” antidepressant available to take during pregnancy. Every woman’s unique needs must be considered when determining which option would provide maximum benefit with minimal risk. These factors include severity of symptoms, higher risk/benefit ratio, past response to similar medications, family history, pre-existing conditions, and more.If you’re considering taking an antidepressant while pregnant but aren’t sure if Prozac is right for you, talk to your doctor. Other drugs — likeZoloft(Sertraline), Celexa (Citalopram),Lexapro(Escitalopram), or Wellbutrin SR/XL (bupropion) might be alternatives.These medications have all been studied extensively in both humans and animals. They’re considered generally safe options when taken under medical supervision throughout your pregnancy journey — from conception to delivery. Of course, like any medication taken while pregnant, there are risks involved with each of them.

There really isn’t one single “safest” antidepressant available to take during pregnancy. Every woman’s unique needs must be considered when determining which option would provide maximum benefit with minimal risk. These factors include severity of symptoms, higher risk/benefit ratio, past response to similar medications, family history, pre-existing conditions, and more.

If you’re considering taking an antidepressant while pregnant but aren’t sure if Prozac is right for you, talk to your doctor. Other drugs — likeZoloft(Sertraline), Celexa (Citalopram),Lexapro(Escitalopram), or Wellbutrin SR/XL (bupropion) might be alternatives.

These medications have all been studied extensively in both humans and animals. They’re considered generally safe options when taken under medical supervision throughout your pregnancy journey — from conception to delivery. Of course, like any medication taken while pregnant, there are risks involved with each of them.

“It’s important to determine the best option for your circumstance only after discussing the risks and benefits with your prescriber. The risks of not treating depression during pregnancy can often outweigh the risks of medication use; however, this is a decision that should be made in conjunction with your healthcare professionals.”

Talk to a Psychiatrist to See If Prozac Is Right for YouUltimately, the decision to take Prozac during pregnancy is a personal one that should be discussed with your healthcare provider. While it may not be entirely risk-free, significant potential benefits can outweigh the risks for some women.Speak with a psychiatrist or other mental health professional before deciding on medication use while pregnant.

Talk to a Psychiatrist to See If Prozac Is Right for You

Ultimately, the decision to take Prozac during pregnancy is a personal one that should be discussed with your healthcare provider. While it may not be entirely risk-free, significant potential benefits can outweigh the risks for some women.

Speak with a psychiatrist or other mental health professional before deciding on medication use while pregnant.

Sources:

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