HAs anyboby out there taken antidepressants for PPD ( post partum depression), and if so how long did you have to take them? Do you have to take them 4 life? I do not want to rely on medication forever , just to feel like myself and enjoy my family. Any examples, suggestions, or comments.
2007-03-14 02:09:25 · 8 answers · asked by doubletree 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
I took Zoloft for about 6 months. My daughter will be 2 next month and I have been off of them for over a year. I'm getting back on my antidepressants soon but that's because I have already been diagnosed with have severe depression before having either of my children. You don't have to take them for life unless you need to.
2007-03-14 02:15:18 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had severe PPD after my daughter was born...a sitiuation compounded by the fact I also suffer from clinical depression. I totally support the use of meds in treating PPD, just be sure that you and your doc work together to find the best one for you...there are more choices now than ever before.
No one knows "how long" PPD will last. There is no set time frame, as it can develop anytime in the first 18 months after the birth of a child. How long it lasts depends on the severity of the depression, the meds you take and weather you work with a therapist or not (I personally feel anyone on anti-depressants should be working with a therapist and not just taking them under advice of thier medical practioner...the meds just make you feel less depressed, but the cause is still there and to make that better often takes some time in therapy to get a handle on it). PPD is not anything that would demand meds for life. Most Mom's feel better in 6-12 months, once they have had a chance to adapt to the changes in their lives and once their bodies start to heal from child birth. Be sure, however, that you are on birth control while taking antidepressants. While it is ok to breast feed, anti-depressants are not cleared for the first trimester of pregnancy, so it is best to be safe!
2007-03-14 02:19:12 · answer #2 · answered by Annie 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Go for it!! The risks to yourself and your child are not worth not taking them. Severe cases of PPD can cause suicide and infant murder - there are many cases in the news all the time.
I did not take it and my marriage fell apart 'cause he could not handle my issues. This led to depression on top of the PPD. I was a mess. I took an anti-depressant and attended counseling. My family, especially Grandma, made sure to understand what the problem was, how the doctors were treating it, and how they could help. It was amazing. Within a short time (about 6 months back then) I was back to my "full of mischief" self. My doctor understood my desire to be off the medications and helped me to wean off them and learn how to deal with being a single mom.
I do experience seasonal depression now, but that is handled by taking a small 10mg tablet of Lexapro during the winter months. Just enough to keep the shadows at bay.
My kids are 16 & 20. They think I am the most normal mom of all their friends. Their smiles and love are what kept me getting out of bed back then - and what keeps me happy now!
One other thing - make sure your husband is on board with you!!! He NEEDS to be with you, helping you, and understanding PPD. If he doesn't participate with the doctor and you, it could cause problems you (and he) don't need.
I wish you happiness and smiles for the moments/days/years ahead. God has blessed you with the priviledge of raising this little munchkin. Enjoy!!
2007-03-14 03:04:12 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I do not take anti depressants for PPD but I take them for OCD. With OCD there is no cure and so I have been taking Paxil for many years. I would think if you have PCD that is something that can get better and you will be able to stop taking the anti depressants once you are better. I do not want to rely on medication either but when you are sick there is nothing you can do to change that if there is no cure or any other treatment for the problem. If you had high blood pressure or diabetes would you not want to take your medication? Think of it like that. I hope you get to feeling better soon. Best of luck.
2007-03-14 02:14:54 · answer #4 · answered by Turtle 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
PPD is only for a period. So no she would only have to take it for the time the doctor wanted.
Now if she has depression as a whole..chronic depression she may have to take them for life.
Most see a doctor every 3 months to check if meds are still needed.
This is very common PPD more then most know. It is a situational thing. Until hormones are balanced it is best to seek weekly counsel. Bring the family as well.
God Bless and take care. things will change soon.
2007-03-14 02:19:37 · answer #5 · answered by charontheloose 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
i felt like u when i was on them i took them for about 8 months and then decided i needed 2 try get on in my life without them so i weaned myself off them, i still have days where i think i would be better on them however my brother was on them and killed himself in August last year and i just think of what being on them did 2 him and i use that as my aim for staying off them. However they effect everyone differently and u have 2 do what's right for u. Good luck and i wish u well.
2007-03-14 02:33:22 · answer #6 · answered by Mel 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I took them after I had my first son and was on them for a year and then on and off for about 5 yrs. I am off them now and refuse to get hooked again. I felt like I was a zombie for all those years and can't remember alot of it. Take care!
2007-03-14 02:14:41 · answer #7 · answered by Mel 1 · 1⤊ 2⤋
sweetie usually just about 3- 6 months good luck
2007-03-14 02:13:43 · answer #8 · answered by Sunshine 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋