Seeking Advice About Anti-depressants

My M. comes from the family, where a father was an alcoholic his whole life. He happened to chase my grandma with a hatchet while children were watching and openely cheated on her. My M. have never felt secure in her life. She tries to plan and control everything, even if it's impossible or unnecessary. I think I can see the same need to control in what I read above. I'm not saying that what you trying to do is impossible or unnecessary, but maybe you would benefit from a new perspective? Like: what's more important, children close in age or happy, healthy M.? I understand that you have important reasons to plan it that way, but again, maybe greater age space would be good for you and the whole family? Also sounds that you desire two things that may not go well together. No matter how combined antidepressants and pregnancy or depression and pregnancy will give you most likely either constant worries or terrible state of mind. I experience mild depression my whole life, never tried medications. After I gave a birth to my wonderfull daughter I went through really bad times, what helped was 1 hour of yoga every day- it made my fobias go away( www.yogatoday.com), forced positive thinking and something brand new- looking for humorous way to see different situations, good laugh is so hard to provoke but works miracles. I personally think you may like it at Al-annon. They are specialists that really help. Good luck to you with everything you decide.

Dear Katie,

As a person who has battled depression since I was 18 (I am 42 now)and came from an alcoholic envrionment as a child, I can totally relate to your situation. I have been on anti-depressants since I was 30. My only thought is you might want to give your body a rest and take the anti-depressants. You need to be at the top of your game to be a M.. You are dealing with some of the big stressors in life: new baby, moving. Everyone has a plan about how they would like things to be but life gets in the way. Take time to bond with your daughter, get used to your new surroundings and get well mentally. My kids are three years apart and I think that is a good span. It is all up to you but my suggestion would be to slow down and make yourself well before adding another baby into the mix.

Best of luck!

L.

I would postpone having a second child and take care of your issues first. Two children close together is a great deal of stress, you have NO time for yourself and you need to get yourself healed before you can fully care for your children.

A side note: I've been on various antidepressants, be very careful about starting effexor and trying to off of it quickly. It was by far the hardest one I've had to go off of, it took me a long time to wean off of it.

Hi Katie,
I was on 50mg of Zoloft when I conceived my daughter, who is now 10 months old. She was born with VSDs, which is a congential heart defect, and needed open-heart surgery to correct it. If I knew there was even a slight chance that my SSRI could negatively affect my baby's health, I would never have taken them, especially during the first trimester, when a baby's heart is formed. I agree with the other responses you recieved about helping yourself first. Every child needs a healthy M., and by you waiting to conceive again, would have their best interests at heart. I wish you lots of luck.

Hi Katie,

I only skimmed the responses, but it seems like several people have mentioned antidepressants that are safe to use during pregnancy. I would consult with another doctor if I were you--it seems like you should be able to use medications to manage your depression while undergoing fertility treatments and pregnancy.

Best wishes, K.

Check with your dr. Most times it isn't recommended to be on anti-depressents. There may be some other remedies to help you such as a moodlift complex that is offered by Shaklee company. Also, try Nutrionalconcepts.com I think they have a product similar and these alternatives might be safer.

Hi Katie,

I know what you are going through. I was diagnosed with BiPolar II 5 years ago and had to be on medication. When I wanted to get pregnant, I chose to get off of the meds. I have been medication free for over 3 years and am only having some problems right now that if anyone was going through all the issues that our family is, would be having depression and anxiety issue too. I also have an 11 mth old daughter.

I personally recommend trying to look at natural routes. They have worked for me and others. What I have done since my daughter was born is take bio-identical progesterone since she was 2 days old. If you get it in pill form, you need a prescription and go to a compounding pharmacist, but you can get a progesterone cream at a health food store that you can use (I'm currently doing that b/c we don't have health insurance). I also used, and am starting to use again, Tahitian Noni Juice (http://www.tahitiannoni.com/united_states/english/retail/.... I took this in conjunction with my meds when I was on them and was the balancing that I needed (we tried a number of medication and amounts and I just ended up in the ER in reaction to them). My psych supported me fully on it...especially after she saw it work for me w/o side effects. This is healthy for you and the baby.

I think that some of the other writers may be right that you should wait a little time to see how you do with something else...maybe natural before you try to get pregnant again. I wish you the best and if you have any questions about either of the products I mentioned send me a message and I'll give you more info. Who knows, the progesterone may help you get pregnant again...I got pregnant easily, but struggled to stay pregnant b/c my progesterone levels were too low. I had to take Crinone for my first trimester.

By the way, how did you feel pregnant? Where you happy and stable, or moody? I know that the hormones were good for me, b/c I was the most stable emotionally that I had been my whole life.

I wish you the best.

H. & Calli

Hi Katie,

I have been on Zoloft for a long time now due to post partum depression from my first child/marriage. I was remarried and we wanted to add to our family. Both my ob/gyn and psychiatrist told me that Zoloft will not hurt our chances of getting pregnant or harm the baby once we conceived. We had a very happy healthy boy. I nursed my daughter taking Zoloft and now I am nursing our son while I am using it.

If you want to add to your family now, in my opinion I would not wait. There are medications out there that are studied and have shown to be safe. My doctor prefered that I was on anti-depressants during my pregnancy because I needed to be on the meds. I did not feel that I could handle being off the meds.

Have faith and things will work out. There is always a way.

Good luck!

Katie -

Check out the advice I've written (and advice of other moms) in the past. I've concieved two beautiful, happy children on Celexa and Effexor!

http://mamasource.com/request/12739866876893462529#advice...

Hope this helps!
Erin

Your dr being your GP or your OB/GYN? My friend is on anti-depressants and she is considering trying to conceive so she has been checking w/ her drs. about everything. Her psychiatrist, the dr. that prescribes the anti-d. said that there is no evidence at all that they harm the baby...at least whatever she is currently taking...at that she would not need to wean off of them. So, you may consider checking w/ another dr. also, or your OB if that is not who already said no.

First off I want to say that it's great that you're seeking help. I grew up with an alcoholic father and it was very depressing. I'm glad I had my M. there for me though. I had a lot of hate for my dad and since I was married a year and a half ago and don't live in that situation anymore things seem to be getting better. He's also in an alcoholic program, so hopefully after all these years, he'll finally be getting better. I also moved to get my son out of that environment. It was the best thing I could do for him, even if it was more difficult for me.
But onto your question. I really don't know much about anti-depressants. If you are really wanting to have another child soon, I would suggest waiting to do the meds. I'm not a huge fan of the medicines that are being thrown around so easily nowadays, not that that's what your doctor is doing, but I just see it sooo much now. If you are not emotionally sound though, you also wouldn't want your child to be impacted by that so you have to weigh out the pros and cons. How long have you been in therapy? If it's only been a short time, I would say to stick with that and skip the meds and the baby for a short while and see if your sessions can help you alone. Hope this helped!

I think you received good advice about checking with your doctors. However, I think first and foremost you need to take care of yourself! Don't worry about the spacing between your children- things tend to work out they way they are supposed to and I bet you will be happy with a healthy second child whatever the age difference. To be fully there for your family please take care of yourself. Find the right medication (sometimes you need to try more than one) and continue in therapy. Put yourself first and then you are able to be the best wife and mother!!! Good luck to you.

Hello Katie ~
I have not had to ever be on anti-depressants so I'm not speaking from experience. But I am a single M. who has raised 3 teenagers. I would like to offer some "food for thought..." You show that you're a FULL-TIME working mother of a baby...I give you credit for full time hours and being a Mommy & Wife as well. You are FULL TIME X3...!!!Is there anyway you may be able to cut down 1 day/wk? Perhaps your job is joyful and you're not feeling stressed by it...but remember to take time for your YOU...your HUSBAND...then baby...when you & your husband's needs are met...that equals HAPPY BABY! Put a value on YOU...maybe to sit down one night with a piece of paper and a calculator...Don't forget to add gas & travel time to and from both of your jobs - care for baby - and put a PRICE on you...hubby...and baby...Something that you were missing may be revealed to you! Good Luck...

Hi Katie,

I think this all depends on how much you need the anti-depressants. Many anti-depressants have been found to be relatively safe to use while pregnant. If you need the anti-depressant, work with your doctor to have him prescribe one that has been deemed safe to use in pregnancy. Usually the doctor and patient will weigh the risks to the baby vs. the risks to the mother if she does not take the anti-depressant.

I was taking lexapro when I got pregnant with my son and my doctor wanted me to wean off of it. Let me tell you, weaning off of an anti-depressant while you are going through the hormonal changes of pregnancy (and I was trying to quit smoking too) is very hard. That's why my suggestion is to take one that you can safely take in pregnancy or don't start taking them until after the baby is born.

Good luck to you!
L.

Hi Katie
I was wondering if you had thought of doing any alternative therapy bach flowers or other herbs you shouldgo see a good Homeopath or holistic healer to help and you could then do ivf with out haveing to detox off the antidepressants. good luck

post pone having another child. If you are feeling even the slightest bit depressed now wait til you have 2 children to care for, especially when they will be so close in age. It can be overwhelming at times. I thought having one was alot of work but now that I have two children less than 2 years apart, I now know what alot of work is!!Post pone it til you are happy and have worked out your issues. It really isn't fair to children to have to see one of there parents depressed. Good luck!

I have never heard that it would take 9 months to commit to an anti depress and get weaned off. I believe most of those start to work after 3-4 weeks or so. Not a doc though, ask the OB GYN... they know more than the internists on this topic i would think (or you can ask a pharmacist and get what level of drug its considered and research on your own!)
good luck!

Hi Katie,
I am responding quite late to this post as it is almost two years old! I hope I can still reach you and perhaps others who see this post and can relate. I hope you are doing well!

Have you ever heard of Joan Mathews Larson, PhD? She is wonderful! I have used her both personally and professionally and have seen wonderful results.

She comes from a family history of alcoholism and depression and wanted a clearer understanding of how they relate to each other and why they are still not understood in this day and age.

She received her PhD on her research finding a dietary/nutritional connection to depression and alcoholism. She breaks it down so well so that you can educate yourself and tells you how to take care of yourself. Of course she puts nutrition first, but also helps you recognize when you might need assistance from therapy or meds (short term). It is so interesting how allergies (not the normal ones we think of) certain foods, genetics, ethinicity and diet play a role in our mental well being.

I would recommend you check out/ buy her books "Seven Weeks to Sobriety" or "Depression Free Naturally". They run about $10 each.

I have had the priveledge of meeting her in person and she is one of the most caring people I know!! Good luck, and I hope this reaches you!

First of all please know that alcoholics are responsible for their own actions. This is not your fault. We all make choices and are accountable for same. They can only get help when they decide they want it. You cannot drag an alcoholic to the 12 step program, so don't try. Let go, stay in touch and get on with your own life. This may be "depressing" but in itself should not make you "depressed". You probably have more going on than just that. I don't know if your condition is temporary or longterm, but my cousin was on anti-depressants when she got pregnant. It was not a planned pregnancy. Her doctor took her off them and the baby was fine in the end. The problem is that she did not function well without the medication. It was a nightmare for everyone while she was off this med. During the next pregnancy, she had a different (also excellent) doctor who prescribed a lower dose of anti-depressant during the pregnancy. She did much, much better this time and the baby was perfect. SO, hope that helps.

Katie,

I'm a social worker who works in mental health. I would recommend getting the depression under control before having another baby. Having a history of depression puts you at greater risk of having postpartum depression in addition to the stress of having two little ones at home. If you want to try getting pregnant and don't want to go on an antidepressant, continue seeing your counselor and consider attending a support group, perhaps Alanon to help you deal with your parents alcoholism, or a depression support group.

I wish you and your husband luck with this decision, and regardless of what everyone recommends, do what you feel is best for your family at this time.

A. J.

I am also on Zoloft and have been for 2 or 3 years now. My dr. chose it for me specifically because I was nursing. Now, I am expecting again (certainly didn't hurt my odds of conceiving...this was a surprise baby).

After finding out I was pregnant, my doctor recommended that I see if I couldn't tolerate a lower dose of Zoloft and still be ok. I am not fantastic, but alot of that is probably just the nausea/tiredness and mood swings of early pregnancy. I honestly don't think I could get through day to day life without the Zoloft. She said that there have been studies on babies exposed to it in the womb and that in some they have found an increased risk for colic/fussiness/feeding problems, mostly babies who are exposed in the third trimester, I would imagine from withdrawal..but then again if you nurse they will probably get trace amounts in the milk anyway. She said the risk was mild and the studies were relatively inconclusive. The other rare risk she said was increased risk of some circulatory/coronary issues, but that the increased risk again was very small and the study wasn't really all that conclusive.

Since I am already pregnant and I know I would be a mess without the Zoloft, I am choosing to continue it, albeit on a lower dose. You have the weigh the risks for you. I would probably personally pursue the medication and see how things work out for you first. It does take 3-4 weeks to see the effects from medication but the full effect is not seen until months later and you do have to carefully wean from it. If the meds and counseling together help, maybe down the road you can think more about kids. It is really hard to be a working M. and have two young kids, and personally you may find yourself deeper in depression once you have another...plus...the daycare expense...wow.

Good luck to you!

Katie -

I too was on effexor when I had my daughter and she is extremely bright and healthy. It may be true that some anti-depressants could negatively effect a pregnancy but there are some out there that are fine. Your doctor should know this. If for some reason you can't take the "safe" medications there are some natural ways to help with depression. The best overall is excercise. I also find that getting as much sunlight as possible is very important for me. If your docotr keeps giving you a hard time and only black&white options, it may be wise to get a second opinion.

Hi Katie,

Talk to your doctor or seek another one that is familiar with pregnancy and depression because there are some anti-depressants that are proven to be safe during pregnancy, one of them being Prozac. I am 8 months pregnant now and have taken Prozac fromt he beginning and also with my last pregnancy. I think there are 2 or 3 more that have been approved now too. It is important to commit to taking your medicine to get the full benefit from it, so it would be wise to start taking one that you can continue taking through your pregnancy. Some anti-depression medicine can cause some birth defects so you don't want to take them unless you absolutely have to. I think its important to keep your depression under control and if medication can help I think you should look into it. If your general doctor isn't too familiar with the anti-depressants you might have to check with a psychiatrist who is more familiar with the drugs. Hope that helps you. Good luck!