Moms and Antidepressants??

Hello. I was comtemplating putting this post in the medical and health area but my query is specific to mothers. In brief, after quite severe PND some five years ago, I have found myself quite suseptible to anxiety - bouts occurring about every year and lasting for say, six months, until I start to feel better, and also with the help of one low dose benzodiazapine (Xanax) at some time during the day when I feel the worst. This dose brings to baseline functioning and gets me thru the low point (occurring at different times each day).


I am not a "basket case" with the pill. Just cope better and feel more motivated as a result. My dr and I have been comtemplating antidepressants (one that acts on anxiety too). Zoloft (strelazine?). Any info on your experience or friends experience would be greatly appreciated. I feel as tho my predisposition to really flat and anxious points merit some form of medication as I believe my mental illness, as it were, is a chemical imbalance that requires some medical intervention.


I have tried homeopathy, accupunture, etc with no real success. Boosted myself with fish oil, magnesium,etc with little improvement. Hope to hear from anyone who can shed a little light as to whether I go down the antideppresant path. Thanks.

Hello to you. 6 years ago I started taking mild anti-depressants (Paxil) for the same issues you've described, although mine didn't start with PND. I can't put into words the ways they've changed my life for the better. My anxiety level is finally 'normal' (I don't lose my mind at people for inane things anymore) and my mild depression is something I understand now and so much better. My husband refers to them as my 'happy pills'!


The first year I was on the medication I was ashamed of it and didn't tell anyone but my husband - but now I understand it and no longer feel the awful stigma that I thought went along with it. I'm open about it because I know it's a chemical imbalance and not anything within my control. What I can control is taking it and making myself feel better!!


I would absolutely recommend talking with your doctor about them - the doses, the various kinds, etc. There are many different kinds and you may need to try a few before knowing what works for you. Believe me, if one doesn't, you'll know because it will make you feel crummy and *not* better. (The first kind I tried made me nauseous within 6 hours of taking it.) Make sure you ask about the dependency on them. The only thing I wish I'd done differently back then was ask more about what it's like to stop using them. (not that I want to) Apparently Paxil has withdrawl symptoms that can be pretty rough...


Feel free to ask me more specifics. Happy to help spread the joy of feeling good again.


Anyway - If your doctor tells you