Anti Depressants

[Porcelain]

Is anyone on anti-depressants or considering them? I think I've finally reached a point where I need to seriously consider them. I struggled with it last pregnancy and through post birth and I'm not sure if my family can survive it this time around, too.
I've tried and continued trying life changes and homeopathic remedies so please do not suggest that. I'm just curious about what I can start talking to my doctor about, if anyone has had any negative experiences or regrets and what to research.

 

[RoxieHart]

I've battled with mental health issues on and off for years, I can understand how you must be feeling and I'm really sorry your having a difficult time with it all. I know it's easy to say but try to stay positive. I must admit I haven't struggled with my issues during my pregnancies so I can't comment on anti-depressants at this time etc but I really would suggest seeing somebody, like your doctor, somebody that can talk through all your options with you. I think that when you've been through it all before and you can spot the signs and familiar feelings it's best to attend to them as soon as possible before they esculate to a point where in which you really have no control and you are in a horrible place that you can't seem to get out from! .. It would be good for you to talk to someone that will discuss all your options with you. Will be thinking of you, be strong xx

 

[Luvspnk31]

I would try to wait til you're in the 3rd tri at least. At that point, most actual development has happened, and baby is just growing. The only time I was on antidepressants during pg, was with my dd. I was on lexapro from the 3rd tri. She is healthy now, but she was born with PDA, and stopped breathing several times after birth and had to spend a few days in NICU. I can't prove the medication caused it, but I have always wondered. I don't say this to scare you, I think there's probably lots of women who have had babies with no issues. I would encourage you to do research though, and stick with the lowest dose possible.

 

[Selaphyna]

I have struggled with depression since I was 11 years old. It runs in my family. I had to be put on something after my son was born. I eventually took myself off of it. And there are days that are easier than others, but I have noticed in this pregnancy I have days that are worse than others that I think I should be on something. I already know that I'm not going to take a chance and ask to be put on something after Pickle is born, because I'm sure I'm going to have PPD.

 

[kmac87]

I am on Wellbutrin that I started taking in my 2nd tri after my doctor determined my risks to be far greater by being off them than on them. Prior to pregnancy I was taking Cymbalta. I take 200 mg of Wellbutrin and it's really improved my mental well being. I've heard great things about it doing research prior to taking it. I strongly recommend it if you feel you need it.

 

[fizzypop]

I am on fluoxetine (prozac) and have been since my last pregnancy. For me the risks of not being on them far outweighed the risk to the babies. I don't plan on coming off them ever.

 

[Brightxeyes]

I was on citalopram, and as I'd only just recently gone back on them after a six month break, I came straight off. They didn't seem too worried about keeping me on.

And the guy at the clinic appt at the hospital has seen my mental health history and booked me in to see someone about depression despite me saying I was coping with anxiety and depression well. Maybe they have to make you see someone to make sure?

But anyway, my midwife asked about it again as I'd recently switched surgery and it was my first appointment with her, she said if I ever felt like I needed the help of medication again there are anti depressants that are completely safe during pregnancy.

Some are for and some are against medication. Mine made me feel like a zombie, but it helped me in a way to not care about things that stressed me out and not get myself worked up. If you're struggling with depression now, you're more likely to suffer with post natal. Which I am very worried about so I'll probably be seeking help at least after birth.

I never found counselling to help me, but that's my personal experience as there's long waiting lists and I needed help quicker than 12 week waits.

See the midwife she can help advise you
Xxx