from Aropax to Zoloft, now thinking of Aropax again!

**No2WhereAreYou** · 07-10-2007 17:24

Hi

I changed from Aopax to Zoloft when we first started TTC, as it apparently safer in pregnancy.

However, I really dont think its working for me. I have seriously thought about going back on aropax, but its such a big decision to make. My doctor thinks its not such a big deal, and neither does my mother.
However, when I went to the RBWH when I m/c, the counsellor was saying they do not give women aropax in pregnancy of when theyre trying to conceive, as it has higher risks.

I can't decide!!!

Anyone been in a similar situation?

**punkbaby** · 07-10-2007 18:34

How long have you been on the zoloft for? I think that you need to give it at least 3 weeks before it takes effect thats all, my sister when from aropax to zoloft and found that it did help her it was just a case of it settling in. I am on zoloft (well not at the moment having a break) and i found i felt a little better after a week or so when the headaches went and the other symptoms then after three weeks i felt like i was on top of the world.

If its only been a week or so give it a chance

it its been a few weeks then maybe you need to chat to your gp it could be the dose you are on as well

Good luck

**ThreePinkFaireez** · 07-10-2007 18:51

I've been on Zoloft a few times..... it works ok and it'll take atleast 6-8 weeks for you to really notice the effects of it.... with any anti depressant it takes time!

Why are you thinking of changing back?

**lounkids** · 07-10-2007 21:06

Hi

I have been on aropax during both of my pregnancies with no problems. Even when TTC on fertility treatment, my gyn was not concerned. With my pregnancies & b'feeding my gp & ob were ok with it too. I've never heard about it possibly causing problems, strange

I can't remember exactly what 'class' it was in but was something like 'no known side effects' I think. Well I wouldn't have continued with it if there were. Maybe Zoloft is a safer alternative, it may just take a bit longer for it to start working & for you to get used to it, like the other ladies said.

Lou

**No2WhereAreYou** · 08-10-2007 06:16

Thanks for all your replies.

I started on Zoloft in jan/feb this year on 50mg.
I went to the doctor 2 weeks ago to get it increased to 75mg. So even if I have been on it, ive the increase more time?
I have noticed a change (though only small) in depression, not so much anxiety.

I guess I will give it a go for a while longer. however its nice to know some people have taken aropax in pregnancy. I dont know what it is with some gp's and aropax, apparently they think it has a higher risk of causing heart murmurs.
My Mum says it cant be that bad if it's helping me through bad anxiety and that there's always a risk with any pregnancy, drugs and no drugs! (and she is not keen on some things out there being in the medical profession and all)

Thank you all again very much for your help

**fludo** · 12-10-2007 11:27

Hi there. I've been in your situation too. I've been on aropax for 8 years for anxiety, tried coming off it several times, but not an option. I haven't tried Zoloft, but I did switch to Luvox and then Cipramil but neither worked for me (gave Luvox 2 shots, for about 4-6 weeks each time, the Cipramil 3 weeks).

One doc really didn't like me on it, the other had no prob. On aropax there is 1 study (or maybe 2 studies, not sure) that says you have a 2% chance of bub having a heart defect, over 1% of total population. So after years of trying to get off the damn drug, I've decided that's a small risk to take.

You also need to have mental confidence in the drug you take, because if you don't trust it to improve your anxiety, you will be more anxious!

My other concern is a few years ago they didn't think Aropax was less safe than the others in its class, so what's to say in a few years time a study comes out on one of the other drugs saying it's actually not any safer than Aropax anyway! It's one of those things, no one knows enough about it, so you have to get informed and then make the best decision for you.

Let us know how you go.

**No2WhereAreYou** · 12-10-2007 13:28

Hi Fludo

Thanks for your help.
I went to the doctor and was put back on aropax.
Cipramil gave me even bigger anxiety attacks, and in the past 2 weeks zoloft has been making me worse.
My doc has no problem putting me back on it.
I believe there's a risk with all medications, and aropax just happened to be what some Mums were taking at the time of these studies- they say the percentage may just be that the Mums happened to be on aropax, it doesnt mean its the drug that caused the problem.

I thought about the nurses at RBWH and what they said about aropax, and stuff em!!! The ones I have seen there have nooo idea about anxiety, about 5 years ago they thought I was tripping off drugs (major panic attack and i kept falling over) and they didnt even check me out. When I went to see the "psychologist" there, she wasnt even aware of Claustrophobia (which I get in lifts) and ironically, the meeting we had was not in her usual room, but there was a brochure right there on it!!!!!!

I guess we have to rely on intuition with these things

(sorry about my rant about RBWH they SUCKK!!)

**fludo** · 12-10-2007 21:43

It is amazing how little information there is still out there about anxiety disorders. Actually no, the information is available, I don't understand why all health professionals aren't properly informed. It's one of the most if not THE most common mental health prob, along with depression.

I think the idea is for a woman who isn't on any meds, and never has been, and develops an anxiety prob while pg or TTC, then they don't start you on Aropax. And that does make sense to try the others first. but when you know it works for you...... Really, my doc was really helpful but she just seemed to think it was all in my head that the others didn't work, they'll all "the same" class of drug, but obviously they are not THE same otherwise so many different drugs wouldn't exist! (Now I'm ranting!) I figure I was prescribed it in the beginning for a reason (by a doc who specialised in these probs and meds). So, I've accepted it, after many years of struggling with the idea of taking something that could hurt my baby. But everything has risks and heaps of mums on aropax have healthy bubs.

So, good luck to us both in TTC. Would love to keep in touch and see how you go with the Aropax too.

**No2WhereAreYou** · 14-10-2007 08:59

Hi Fludo

I think we first met in The Due in Jan thread??

So here we are back at square one, with quite a bit in common it seems

I started the aropax yesterday and man its kicking in already with the relaxed tired state (It is one of the draw backs - the tiredness I get from it) but this time as Ive been quite active at thr gym, I think I can combat the tiredness with exercise... oh the things we learn!

PM me if you like to swap backgrounds!

**joyce1980** · 22-01-2009 19:43

well i have been home in aus for a few months now and after coming off aropax and going nutty as well as having a Dr say it's better on than off i started ttc again.....

I'm pregnant!! I just found out yesterday

So i went to a Dr, i couldn't get into my usual one, she was very nice and said that aropax have miniscule risks but i should try zolof???

I was a bit upset thinking maybe i should hae been on zolof all along but the stupid drs in the uk didn't recomend anything but staying off meds all together.. until i found a ob that said better on than off.

So now what??? try the zolof... i just don't know.. i'm going to ring my normal Dr in the morning god i hope he can talk to me.

I also don't want to go loopy switching drugs

Oh it;s not fair i'm so scared i will do something wrong and ruin my babies life!!!!!

I just cannot function without meds... this is such a difficult choice.

I feel for all of you guys i really do... i hope that in 9 months all will be ok

Hugs to you all