Mama2021: Sertraline taper- postpartum anxiety and breastfeeding

[Mama2021]

Hi,

 

I commenced Sertraline at the beginning of April 2021, two weeks after the birth of my baby. This was recommended by my doctor and a psychiatrist in response to a traumatic event during pregnancy that created extreme anxiety about the health of my baby. I was very hesitant but I understood the effects of a depressed and anxious mama. I was reassured by them that it was safe to continue breastfeeding.
 

I commenced on 25mg for one week and then moved to 50mg.

 

10 weeks later I am doing a lot better and believe this is not necessarily down to the medication and rather the progression of time and seeing my baby thrive. I would like to get off Sertraline asap for both my health and that of my baby. 

 

I have read about the 10% taper of the last dosage every 4 weeks and understand the principle for harm reduction. However, I would like to get my dose down asap in case there is a risk for the baby and to minimise my dependence on it.

 

As I have only been taking the medication for 10 weeks would a quicker taper be possible? Is there a chance my baby may experience any withdrawals? 

 

Many thanks.

 

 

Edited June 9, 2021 by Gridley

[Gridley]

Welcome to SA, Mama21.  

 

I understand your desire to get off the drug as soon as possible.  There's no way to know if you can taper faster than our recommended rate.  Some can and some can't, and if you can't and suffer withdrawal, the whole process can take much longer than if you'd gone slowly.  That's why we say, slower is faster.  A person is at risk of withdrawal symptoms after four weeks of taking an antidepressant, and as you know you're past that point.

 

The following link about the 10% taper has a section about seeing whether you can taper faster.  It involves doing the 10% taper for at least a couple of months, then trying very gently to see if you can speed things up.

 

Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

 

The following link is about tapering Zoloft and getting the non-standard doses needed for a taper.

 

Tips for tapering off sertraline (Zoloft)

 

16 hours ago, Mama2021 said:

Is there a chance my baby may experience any withdrawals? 

 

That's something we don't know.  Here's a link on pregnancy and breastfeeding so that you can read about other members' experiences.

Antidepressants / withdrawal during pregnancy - Symptoms ...

We don't recommend a lot of supplements on SA, as many members report being sensitive to them due to our over-reactive nervous systems, but two supplements that we do recommend are magnesium and omega 3 (fish oil). Many people find these to be calming to the nervous system. 

 

Magnesium, nature's calcium channel blocker 

 

Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) 

 

Add in one at a time and at a low dose in case you do experience problems. Get supplements that are single ingredient (not mixed with other types of supplements).

 

This is your Introduction topic, where you can ask questions and connect with other members.  We're glad you found your way here.