
Drug | FDA pregnancy category* | |
---|---|---|
Sertraline (Zoloft) | C | |
Other antidepressants | ||
Bupropion (Wellbutrin) | B | |
Duloxetine (Cymbalta) | C |
Precautions
How many mg of Zoloft is safe during pregnancy? According to Dr. Ross, a safe and recommended dose of Zoloft begins at 25 mg to 50 mg per day. For moderate to severe depression, Dr. Ross says doses up to 200 mg are deemed safe to use during pregnancy.
Is Zoloft safe to take when pregnant?
- tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline, imipramine and nortriptyline, have lower known risks during pregnancy than other antidepressants
- most tricyclic antidepressants have a higher fatal toxicity index than SSRIs
- fluoxetine is the SSRI with the lowest known risk during pregnancy
What is the safest antidepressant during pregnancy?
There have been no formal studies, but some women who have taken the medication during pregnancy have reported birth defects thought to be caused by Zoloft. These women reported that their children had respiratory distress, cyanosis, apnea, seizures, feeding difficulty, hypoglycemia, tremors, and constant crying.
Does Zoloft cause birth defects?
The authors of “Atypical antipsychotics during pregnancy” ( Current Psychiatry, July 2013, pp. 12-18) incorrectly state that all atypical antipsychotics are FDA Pregnancy Category C except for clozapine. In fact, lurasidone (Latuda) is FDA Pregnancy Category B.
What antidepressant is classified in the FDA Pregnancy Category B?
What is Zoloft used for?
What happens when a woman becomes pregnant?
Is Zoloft a prescription drug?
Can Zoloft cause jitteriness?
Is Zoloft a C drug?
Can you stop Zoloft?
Does Zoloft affect the fetus?
See 2 more

What class drug is Zoloft for pregnancy?
Generally, these antidepressants are an option during pregnancy: Certain selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs are generally considered an option during pregnancy, including citalopram (Celexa) and sertraline (Zoloft).
Is Zoloft safe when pregnant?
Other Antidepressants That Are Safe for Pregnancy Sertraline (Zoloft) is considered to be one of the safest options for use during pregnancy. Certain other antidepressants may be prescribed during or after pregnancy, including: Citalopram (Celexa) Escitalopram (Lexapro)
What does Category C mean for pregnancy?
Category C: Risk cannot be ruled out. There are no satisfactory studies in pregnant women, but animal studies demonstrated a risk to the fetus; potential benefits of the drug may outweigh the risks.
Is Zoloft a Category C?
The FDA classifies Zoloft as a “category C” drug for pregnancy risk, which means there is a lack of research about its safety during pregnancy. Discuss with your doctor whether taking Zoloft during pregnancy is right for you.
Is Zoloft 50 mg safe during pregnancy?
According to Dr. Ross, a safe and recommended dose of Zoloft begins at 25 mg to 50 mg per day. For moderate to severe depression, Dr. Ross says doses up to 200 mg are deemed safe to use during pregnancy.
Which SSRI is safest in pregnancy?
Sertraline appears to be one of the safest SSRIs to use in pregnancy, but other SSRIs, such as citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine, and vilazodone, are likely safe too. Studies suggest that there is little risk with taking SSRIs during pregnancy, but they still could affect your baby.
What drugs are Category C for pregnancy?
OTC Topical Vaginal Antifungal Medications in PregnancyDrug nameFDA pregnancy risk classificationDrug classButoconazole (Femstat)CImidazole antifungalClotrimazole (Lotrimin)CImidazole antifungalMiconazole (Monistat)CImidazole antifungalTioconazole (Vagistat-1)CImidazole antifungalJun 15, 2003
What drugs are category B for pregnancy?
Category B drugs include prenatal vitamins, acetaminophen and several other medications used routinely and safely during pregnancy. If there is a clinical need for a Category B drug, it is considered safe to use it.
What are the 5 pregnancy risk Categories for drugs?
In 1979, the FDA established five letter risk categories - A, B, C, D or X - to indicate the potential of a drug to cause birth defects if used during pregnancy. The categories were determined by assessing the reliability of documentation and the risk to benefit ratio.
Does Zoloft cross the placenta?
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as fluoxetine, citalopram, paroxetine, sertraline, fluvoxamine, and escitalopram cross the placenta and enter the fetal circulation. They are also increasingly used during pregnancy.
Will my baby have withdrawals from Zoloft?
Symptoms of withdrawal from antidepressant medications include jitteriness, agitation or irritability, excess sleepiness and sometimes difficulty feeding. Most of these are very mild, and your baby will get better without any special intervention.
What anxiety meds are safe for pregnancy?
What anxiety medications are safe during pregnancy?Citalopram (Celexa)Escitalopram (Lexapro)Fluoxetine (Prozac)Paroxetine (Paxil)Sertraline (Zoloft)
Which antidepressants are safe in pregnancy?
There are three main types of antidepressants that you can safely take during pregnancy: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)...Examples include:Citalopram (Celexa)Escitalopram (Lexapro)Fluoxetine (Prozac)Paroxetine (Paxil)Sertraline (Zoloft)
Will my baby have withdrawals from Zoloft?
Symptoms of withdrawal from antidepressant medications include jitteriness, agitation or irritability, excess sleepiness and sometimes difficulty feeding. Most of these are very mild, and your baby will get better without any special intervention.
Is there anything you can take for anxiety while pregnant?
Antidepressants, like SSRIs or SNRIs, are first-choice options for managing anxiety in pregnancy. Hydroxyzine might be helpful if you'd like to take medication only when your anxiety symptoms are at their worst. Certain benzodiazepines and TCAs may sometimes be used during pregnancy.
What does pregnancy category B mean?
Category B Animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
Zoloft while pregnant - 1st Pregnancy | Forums | What to Expect
I am also on Zoloft , i was also on other meds as well but they had cut me off because it was no good for baby. I’m now 38 weeks and increased to 200 mg as it’s the max pregnant woman can go to..
Zoloft while pregnant - January 2020 Babies | Forums | What to Expect
Hey, I've been on sertraline (UK name for Zoloft) since before getting pregnant. I started on 25mg for a month, got quite a few side effects (mostly upset stomach for a few days, increased anxiety and panicking, disturbed sleep), stayed on 25mg for a month, it did elevate my anxiety and moods but not enough for me to feel like I was coping well enough, I upped to 50mg (experienced side effects ...
Is 50 mg of Zoloft safe in pregnancy? | Zocdoc Answers
I am a 37 year old planning on starting a family and currently taking 50 mgs of zoloft for anxiety. I have been on zoloft for 11 years. My Dr. would like me to reduce the dosage gradually and get off of it as I am experiencing anxiety and feel as if the zoloft has stopped working. I fear withdrawl symptoms and am very weary. Any advice would be appreciated.
Zoloft and Pregnancy - Drug Genius
Sertraline may not be recommended during the third trimester of pregnancy.It is therefore important for patients to talk to their medical providers about Zoloft and pregnancy. Taking sertraline early in pregnancy does not appear to increase the newborn’s risk for birth defects, according to the FDA.Use of sertraline in the third trimester of pregnancy, however, can increase the newborn’s ...
What Is the Safest Antidepressant to Take When Pregnant? - Psych Central
If you‘re expecting a child, it‘s natural to wonder if antidepressant use during pregnancy may put you or the baby in jeopardy. Every case is different, and only a health professional can ...
Is malformative risk in the first trimester?
US FDA pregnancy category: Not assigned. Risk summary: Malformative risk is unlikely when given during the first trimester. There is inconclusive data on use of this drug in the third trimester to inform of a drug-related risk. -A pregnancy exposure registry is available.
Is sertraline present in breast milk?
A case study of a mother breast-feeding while receiving sertraline therapy has also been reported. The drug was found to be present in the mother's milk.
Does sertraline increase teratogenic risk?
The study concluded that the SSRIs fluvoxamine, paroxetine, and sertraline did not appear to increase teratogenic risk when used in their recommended doses . Animal data with sertraline have not shown an effect on fertility. Human case reports from some SSRIs have shown an effect on sperm quality that is reversible.
Does sertraline cause withdrawal reactions?
The association appears to be strongest for another SSRI, paroxetine. Use of sertraline during pregnancy has been reported to cause symptoms compatible with withdrawal reactions in neonates whose mothers had taken sertraline.
What is the category of Zoloft?
What category is Zoloft in pregnancy? The FDA once labeled Zoloft as Pregnancy Category C , which indicates that “ [a]nimal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus, or there are no animal reproduction studies and no well-controlled studies in humans.”.
What antidepressants are safe for pregnancy?
Certain antidepressants are considered safe during pregnancy, including:
How to calm anxiety during pregnancy?
Methods to calm anxiety during pregnancy include: 1 Taking an antidepressant, such as sertraline, as recommended by a licensed medical provider 2 Getting more sleep; the Anxiety and Depression Association of America says anxiety can cause sleeping problems and sleeping problems can cause anxiety 3 Eating whole, fresh foods 4 Staying active 5 Learning about pregnancy 6 Building a support system 7 Scheduling daily relaxation or meditation time
Can Zoloft cause birth defects?
Taking Zoloft early in pregnancy does not appear to increase the newborn’s risk for birth defects, according to the FDA. However, using sertraline in the third trimester of pregnancy can increase the newborn’s risk of persistent pulmonary hypertension, a condition that causes long-term high blood pressure in the arteries, ...
Can you take Zoloft while pregnant?
It is therefore important for patients to talk to their medical providers about Zoloft and pregnancy. Taking sertraline early in pregnancy does not appear to increase the newborn’s risk for birth defects , according to the FDA.
Can Zoloft be used in breast milk?
The FDA states that researchers have not found any adverse effects of low levels of Zoloft in breast milk.
Can Zoloft cause miscarriage?
The risk of miscarriage due to the use of Zoloft is unknown.
When is Zoloft coming out?
Contact. Sertraline (Zoloft®) December 2, 2019. This sheet talks about exposure to sertraline during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. This information should not take the place of medical care and advice from your healthcare provider.
What is sertraline used for?
Sertraline is a medication that has been used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (a severe form of premenstrual syndrome), and social phobia. Sertraline belongs to the class of antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). A brand name for sertraline is Zoloft®.
Does sertraline cause birth defects?
However, the majority of studies have found that women taking sertraline during pregnancy are not more likely to have a baby with a birth defect than women not taking sertraline. Overall, the available information does not suggest that sertraline increases the chance for birth defects above the 3-5% background risk.
Is sertraline safe for pregnancy?
This is called her background risk. Sertraline is one of the better studied antidepressants during pregnancy. There are reports of more than 10,000 pregnancies exposed to sertraline during the first trimester.
Can you have a miscarriage with sertraline?
Miscarriage can occur in any pregnancy. Use of sertraline and the chance of miscarriage has not been well-studied. One study found no significant differences in the rates of miscarriage in women who filled prescriptions for sertraline during the first 35 days of pregnancy and those who stopped filling prescriptions between 3 and 12 months before to pregnancy.
Can sertraline make it harder for women to get pregnant?
Studies have not been done to see if sertraline could make it harder for a woman to get pregnant.
Can depression cause pregnancy complications?
Research has also shown that when depression is left untreated during pregnancy, there could be an increased chance for pregnancy complications. This makes it difficult to determine if it is the medication or the untreated depression that is increasing the chance for these problems. Please see our fact sheet on Depression at https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/depression-pregnancy/pdf/.
What should I do if I’m pregnant and taking Zoloft?
If you’re taking Zoloft or any other antidepressant, you should consult your doctor immediately ; do not stop taking any medication without talking to your doctor first. Depression can be difficult to manage without medication, and you’ll have to work with your doctor, your therapist, and the rest of your support system to determine what treatment options will work best for you during the beautiful journey of pregnancy.
What to do if you take Zoloft while pregnant?
If you took Zoloft while pregnant and your child was born with a birth defect, you should contact an experienced attorney to learn about your legal rights and options. Safe Birth Project may be able to help.
How many women take medication for depression?
Depression and other mental health conditions are commonly treated with therapy and, in many cases, medication. In fact, a recent study found that 25% of women in the U.S. take medication for a mental health condition.
Is Zoloft safe for pregnancy?
Zoloft is one of the most popular antidepressants in the country — more than 37 million prescriptions for the drug are filled every year. However, mixing Zoloft and pregnancy can expose the baby to certain serious risks. Contents [ show]
Can you take antidepressants while pregnant?
If you’re taking antidepressants and get pregnant, you’ll need to work with your doctor to figure out the best way to proceed. The medications you take while pregnant can affect your growing little one, but that has to be balanced against what you need to stay healthy. You and your doctor can work together to decide whether antidepressant medications are right for you during those 40 weeks.
Is pregnancy hard on your mental health?
Pregnancy and Mental Health. We’ve talked before about how pregnancy can be hard on your emotional and mental well-being in addition to being hard on your body. The emotional and mental toll can be even harder to deal with if you have a preexisting condition such as depression or anxiety. These conditions are common, ...
Is Zoloft linked to birth defects?
Birth Defects Linked to Zoloft. In 1998, a Pfizer (the maker of the drug ) report included a dozen reports of birth defects that may have been linked to their mothers’ Zoloft use. In 2014, a Pfizer researcher showed an association between Zoloft and septal heart defects, a disorder that causes holes in the baby’s heart.
What is the best medication for depression during pregnancy?
Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). SNRIs also are considered an option during pregnancy, including duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR). Bupropion (Wellbutrin). Although bupropion isn't generally considered a first line treatment for depression during pregnancy, it might be an option for women who haven't ...
Why is treatment for depression during pregnancy important?
Experiencing major depression during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of premature birth, low birth weight, decreased fetal growth or other problems for the baby. Unstable depression during pregnancy also increases the risk of postpartum depression and difficulty bonding with your baby.
What is tricyclic antidepressant?
Tricyclic antidepressants. This class of medications includes nortriptyline (Pamelor) and desipramine (Norpramin). Although tricyclic antidepressants aren't generally considered a first line or second line treatment, they might be an option for women who haven't responded to other medications.
Is venlafaxine a risk factor for pregnancy?
But most studies have shown that the risk is very small and other studies have shown no risk at all. Further research is needed. A new study also suggests a link between use of antidepressants during pregnancy, specifically venlafaxine and amitriptyline, and an increased risk of gestational diabetes. More research is needed.
Can SSRIs cause birth defects?
Most studies show that SSRIs aren't associated with birth defects. However, paroxetine (Paxil) might be associated with a small increased risk of a fetal heart defect and is generally discouraged during pregnancy. Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).
Can you take antidepressants while pregnant?
Yes. A decision to use antidepressants during pregnancy, in addition to counseling, is based on the balance between risks and benefits. The biggest concern is typically the risk of birth defects from exposure to antidepressants. Overall, the risk of birth defects and other problems for babies of mothers who take antidepressants during pregnancy is ...
Can depression be a problem while pregnant?
If you have depression and are pregnant or thinking about getting pregnant, consult your health care provider. Deciding how to treat depression during pregnancy isn't easy. The risks and benefits of taking medication during pregnancy must be weighed carefully.
What to do if you are pregnant?
If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, talk with your healthcare professional if you are depressed or undergoing treatment for depression to determine your best treatment option during pregnancy.
What is persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn associated with?
Wilson KL, Zelig CM, Harvey JP, Cunningham BS, Dolinsky BM, Napolitano PG. Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn is associated with mode of delivery and not with maternal use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Am J Perinatol 2011;28 (1):19-24.
Can pregnant women take SSRIs?
There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of SSRIs in pregnant women. At this time, FDA advises health care professionals not to alter their current clinical practice of treating depression during pregnancy. Healthcare professionals should report any adverse events involving SSRIs to the FDA MedWatch Program.
Which SSRIs are associated with birth defects?
All of these medicines are classified as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Although more evidence is needed to be certain, ...
How many mothers use antidepressants?
Researchers looked at antidepressant use in over 30,000 mothers of babies with birth defects and over 11,000 mothers of babies without birth defects in the United States .
What study collects information on babies born with birth defects?
Researchers used data from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study, which collects information on babies born with birth defects, as well as babies born without birth defects, in order to study what might cause or prevent birth defects.
Can you take Venlafaxine while pregnant?
Use of the Antidepressant Venlafaxine During Early Pregnancy May Be Linked to Specific Birth Defects. Many women need to take medicine to stay healthy during pregnancy, including medicine for mental health conditions.
Can antidepressants cause birth defects?
A study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) clarified previous research findings on the relationship between use of antidepressants during early pregnancy and risk for specific birth defects. Determining the safety of specific antidepressants may help healthcare providers and their patients weigh the risks and benefits ...
Can you stop taking medicine while pregnant?
Women shouldn’t start any new medicines or stop a current medicine without talking to a doctor. In some cases, avoiding or stopping a medicine during pregnancy may be more harmful than taking that medicine.
Can Effexor cause birth defects?
Researchers found that the risk for birth defects varied depending on the specific antidepressant medicines used. Use of the antidepressant venlafaxine (brand name Effexor®) during early pregnancy may be linked to several birth defects, including heart defects, defects of the brain and spine, cleft lip and cleft palate, hypospadias, ...
What is Zoloft used for?
Zoloft is used to treat panic attacks, depression, OCD, and other mental health conditions.
What happens when a woman becomes pregnant?
When a woman becomes pregnant, everything she ingests can impact the developing fetus. This includes foods and beverages, as well as over-the-counter drugs, prescription medications, and illegal drugs. For this reason, it is recommended that women avoid using substances as much as possible during their pregnancy.
Is Zoloft a prescription drug?
Zoloft is a prescription medication used to treat several disorders including depression, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social anxiety disorder, and more. It is an antidepressant classified as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). If you are wondering whether you can take ...
Can Zoloft cause jitteriness?
If you use Zoloft throughout your pregnancy, your baby may experience withdrawal symptoms after birth. These symptoms include jitteriness, vomiting, excessive crying, increased muscle tone, irritability, difficulty sleeping, tremors, feeding issues, and trouble regulating body temperature. Although, not all babies who are exposed to Zoloft ...
Is Zoloft a C drug?
The FDA classifies Zoloft as a “category C” drug for pregnancy risk, which means there is a lack of research about its safety during pregnancy.
Can you stop Zoloft?
Abruptly stopping your Zoloft treatment will put you at greater risk of experiencing Zoloft withdrawal. Withdrawal symptoms can include anxiety, insomnia, vivid dreams, headaches, dizziness, tiredness, irritability, achy muscles, chills, nausea, and depression.
Does Zoloft affect the fetus?
Because there have been some studies showing Zoloft has negative effects on the fetus, you should discuss with your doctor in detail whether using Zoloft during pregnancy is right for you.

Epidemiology
Sertraline is used to treat depression, panic attacks, obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, social anxiety disorder (social phobia), and a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (premenstrual dysphoric disorder).
May Treat: Major depressive disorder · Obsessive-compulsive disorder · Panic disorder · Post traumatic stress disorder · Premenstrual dysphoric disorder and more
Drug Class: Antidepressant - Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
Availability: Prescription Required
Pregnancy: Consult a doctor before using
Lactation: Consult a doctor before using
May Treat: Major depressive disorder · Obsessive-compulsive disorder · Panic disorder · Post traumatic stress disorder · Premenstrual dysphoric disorder and more
Drug Class: Antidepressant - Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
Availability: Prescription Required
Pregnancy: Consult a doctor before using
Lactation: Consult a doctor before using
Alcohol: Limit intake while taking this medication
Driving: May cause drowsiness or dizziness. Use caution
Manufacturer: PFIZER US PHARM · PFIZER/VIATRIS
Treatment
Contraindications
Overview
Side effects
- These conditions are common, affecting tens of millions of Americans. Women are twice as likely to develop depression as men, and most cases develop between the ages of 25 and 44. Depression and other mental health conditions are commonly treated with therapy and, in many cases, medication. In fact, a recent study found that 25% of women in the U.S. take medication f…
Society and culture
- If youre taking antidepressants and get pregnant, youll need to work with your doctor to figure out the best way to proceed. If you are taking a medication like Zoloft, side effects of the drug could be bad for your baby. The medications you take while pregnant can affect your baby, but that has to be balanced against what you need to stay healthy. You and your doctor can work together to …
Risks
- Many of these types of medications simply havent been tested in pregnant women, so their safety is unknown. One antidepressant in particular, however, has been linked to serious birth defects Zoloft.
Prevention
- Zoloft (sertraline) is a type of SSRI, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. These drugs, like Zoloft, are thought to work by preventing your body from reabsorbing serotonin, increasing your levels of that neurotransmitter and improving your mood. SSRIs are the most popular type of antidepressant in the country.
Diagnosis
- Common Zoloft side effects may include: One of the worst Zoloft side effects birth injury in children born to women who took the drug while pregnant. In 1998, a Pfizer (the maker of the drug) report included a dozen reports of birth injury that may have been linked to their mothers Zoloft use. In 2014, a Pfizer researcher showed an association between Zoloft side effects and …