I have been having anxiety attacks after giving birth. Zoloft makes it worse. I want only natural ways?

Question

to beat this. I do not want anything that can be addictive. I have a newborn to take care of.

Answer 1

The same thing happend to me after I had my daughter. The best thing to do is exercise, my attacks went on for far to long before I realized this. Gentle exercise such as walking, yoga or tai chi are best, things that don't raise the heart rate to high or to quickly. Deep breathing and visulization are also very effective. On the medication side.Ativan has also helped, but only a 1/4 of a pill does the trick and you can still function. I only use that in extreme emergencies. I hope this helps.

Answer 2

"Baby blues" are more common than not and I think its a shame that doctors want to prescribe antidepressants so quickly. I can say this because I went through it with both of my children and both times the doctor prescribed Zoloft. While the medication helped my focus and energy level some it did not help the anxiety attacks. It is very important to talk to your OB/GYN about your concerns and be honest with him/her about wanting to cure this problem with something other than (or in addition to) man-made medicine.

In the meantime, start eating healthy by avoiding a lot of caffeine and sugar, start excercising daily--take the baby out for a walk in the neighborhood during the day you both will enjoy it, and find a good multivitamin and start taking it.

And remember when you start to feel an anxiety attack coming on, that you are not the only woman ever to feel this way and call an understanding friend, change what you are doing, try yoga or (it sounds crazy but it works) lamaze breathing--slow and steady.

Answer 3

I've had two natural/no drugs, and one epidural so far. I have fast labors (5hrs or less) so the natural births were quite painful because I didn't have any time to breathe or relax between contractions. It was one on top of the other, without any time in between at the end which I found the most difficult. My first son seemed easier (7lbs, 7oz) than my second (6lbs) who was smaller. It could have been because he was smaller, and came barelling through much faster. I do remember practically begging for something at the end of my second but it was too late. It burns quite a bit when the baby's head comes out as well, but once they're out, it all stops (at least to barely a pinch for your placenta.) I kid you not, I can tolerate pain quite well (did ok up until about 8-9cm), but it was VERY painful and to be honest, after two, I'm afraid to do it again. My third child, I had the epidural out of pure fear and WOW - what a difference! Felt not a thing, and to be honest, actually felt a little "cheated" out of the birth experience since it was so easy. I'm 37 weeks with my 4th, and I will admit, I'm going the epidural route again. I tried natural twice and that's enough. Good luck with your baby! In the end, whatever you choose will be right for you and you can make your own determination on whether it's as bad as you were told. :)

Answer 4

it was always my experiences that zoloft is for depression more than anxiety. it actually is supposed to be a natural serotonin up lifter that natural occurs in the brain. ask you Dr. about lorazapan or advain for anxiety. true they are addictive but the short time I've seen new moms on them, its an easy wean off them. serious they give em to recoving alkys, for a short time then wean em back off easy. my opinion only but stay away from paxil. i take lorazapan now for 8 years and never had my dosage increased.and i take the 1 mil not any roughed 5 mil,only occasionally

Answer 5

Zoloft will make it worse and can also cause suicidal thoughts. I know, I use to be on it. St John's Wort works great for anxiety, depression, tension and it's all natural. I take it every day. You can also try relaxing herbal teas.
Part of your anxiety attacks probably has to do with being a new mom. So just try to take it easy and go for walks with your baby.

Answer 6

I have general anxiety disorder and will at times succumb to anxiety attacks.
However I take a low dosage of a anxiety reducing medication, and I have found it to be non-addictive.
I would explore with a good psychiatrist what medications may help you, which are non-addictive, especially if your dose suggested would be in the mild category.
This is not to suggest a replacement way to alleviate your anxiety . . but sometimes for me . . it helps to breath deeply and slowly . . the anxiety does lessen, because you are offering it a focus which is calming and not panic inducing.
This works for me - although it does not replace my medication regimen.
Perhaps, I have offered some help.

Answer 7

Its not natural but xanex does it for me. I also have found walking it off has helped. I haven't had one in years.Knock on wood. lol Just don't let them get the best of you. Start walking on onset and keep in your head that you control your body it doesn't controls you. Also give up any and all caffeine. This will help.

Answer 8

sounds like you need scientology.....call tom cruise. no seriously.....post partum depression is a serious for real biological illness and the fact of the matter is you may need to take medication. you need to talk to you OB/GYN, not ask in this forum. you said it yourself....you have a newborn to take care of....so take care of him or her and do the right thing!

Answer 9

I could have told you to let your wife do it
See your Dr.