The postpartum period is challenging and painful for mothers. They endure immense discomfort from breastfeeding, uterine contraction, constipation, varicose veins, postpartum depression, anxiety disorder, etc. If mothers are going through the feeling of baby blues, anxiety, depression, or hopelessness for one or two weeks, it’s normal while if these symptoms are persistent and do not waste time, then they need medical attention. The mother’s mental health is worthy; therefore, it’s mandatory to redress it; otherwise, the consequences will be far beyond—the thing which may help you get rid of depression or anxiety prevailing black clouds—Zoloft.
Zoloft (Antidepressant)
Zoloft (brand name of sertraline) is an antidepressant usually prescribed to treat various mental health issues. Antidepressant or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) medicines increase the level of happiness chemicals, and you feel happy and comfortable. Likewise, Zoloft boosts the level of serotonin in your body; it is a neurotransmitter that optimizes your mood. This medication is also effective for;
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PDD)
- Panic disorder
- Social anxiety disorder
It’s available in the market in pills or liquid form and it can be taken daily. In the beginning, doctors prescribe its low dosage that you can increase gradually, so your body is used to it.
Is Zoloft a safe option while breastfeeding?
Almost a safe option! Zoloft is recognized as a safe option while breastfeeding to lower the symptoms of depression and anxiety. A report indicates that nearly 10 to 15% of new mothers are victims of postpartum depression and anxiety—first-time pregnant females have higher chances of experiencing traumatic delivery that may put them in depressive condition. So they need medication to fight and return to their beautiful world. If these mental problems are left untreated, they may worsen, and the patient (mother) may be far away from his baby or attempt suicide. Therefore, doctors consider Zoloft safe and effective for lactating women.
Zoloft is safe because its small amount is present in breast milk, and it’s less likely to affect the baby’s health. And the most studied antidepressant in lactating women is Zoloft. However, few side effects are documented in babies who receive Zoloft via breast milk, but further studies indicate that these are not serious. So, Zoloft is a safe medication for nursing women and, reduces the symptoms of depression & anxiety, and creates an affinity between moms and cute infants.
No medication is 100% safe, whether you’re pregnant [breastfeeding] or not. Though, Zoloft can cause;
- Headache
- Nausea
- Mood disturb
- Dizziness
- Difficulty in sex driving
- Weight gain
- Swelling
- Fast heartbeat
- Abnormal bleeding
If you find any of these signs after taking Zoloft, visit your doctor and follow his instruction.
Vitamin B12 is another very popular supplement with women during pregnancy. However, is it safe take vitamin B12 during pregnancy? We recommend talking to your doctor about this because each individual has a different and unique requirement. What might be right for one may not be right for another. Therefore, it’s very important to always talk to a doctor before starting any supplement.
Things you should consider before taking Zoloft
It is a safe and first choice for lactating women to combat mental disorders. You should be cautious because a little one ingests your milk. Therefore, you need to consider some safety tips such as;
- When your treatment is started, keep in touch with your doctor until the medication begins to work. Zoloft results appear after 3 to 4 weeks, so you’ve to wait and to be close to your doctor. And make sure you are self-monitoring to avoid unwanted health issues.
- Its side effects can be minimized by taking a small dose of it in the starting and increasing gradually—your body becomes familiar with it.
- You need to talk pediatrician before taking it. It’s exceptional that Zoloft may cause a problem in your baby. You have to monitor your baby’s health regularly.
Conclusion
After childbirth, most women face difficulty in managing things with the baby and also endure postpartum pain; they go through depression and anxiety. The doctors consider Zoloft safe, and the first-line antidepressant that you can take while breastfeeding. Your best bet is to talk to your health care provider before starting Zoloft.
