Post Partum Depression

My husband was told what to look for incase I develop PPD. He talked with me the other day, saying he was convinced I had it. I had my 6wk check with the doc, and after talking with her, I realize that yup..he was right, despite how much I fought it. (happy face=happy attitude, right?)yeah right!

Anyway I told the doc that I wanted a wait a few weeks to see if gets better, excersing eating better etc...
I went home and after 3 crying spells, realized that maybe going on meds is not a bad idea.

I'm a bit nervous, I've always reacted to medication strongly (even advil!)

I'm not looking to start a debate of whether or not meds is right or wrong or if PPD exists...just wondering if anyone out there has had any experience with PPD and are willing to share how you dealt with it.

My dr. suggested Lexapro...
Will I become 'dependent' on it...are there major side effects.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!
thanks!
reb

 

I had PPD, and it was terrible. Zoloft and therapy helped me recover. If you're nervous about meds, you can always try therapy alone - it can be very helpful. Exercise has also been shown to be a very effective antidepressant (it even beat Zoloft in one study!).

If you do consider meds, let your doctor know you're sensitive to them. You can always start at a very low dose and work up slowly. And remember, you're not getting married to it. If it bugs you, you can always stop, or try something else, or try adjusting the dose. There are lots and lots of antidepressants to choose from, and some people find that they tolerate one a lot better than another. And remember, plenty of people have NO side effects at all.

As far as "dependency" - no, you can't get addicted to antidepressants. They don't get you high. Sometimes people have some side effects when they discontinue an antidepressant, but it's not like withdrawal from an addictive drug - more that your system is just readjusting a bit. When I stopped Zoloft, I felt a little lightheaded for a few days, but that was it. It's not like you crave it after you stop. Tapering off very slowly will greatly reduce your chances of having side effects from stopping.

And if someone is "dependent" on ADs, it's only because they need it to treat a mood disorder - the way someone with cholesterol problems is "dependent" on statins, or a diabetic is "dependent" on insulin. It's just a health issue, nothing more, nothing less. And if you've never had problems with depression before, you almost certainly will NOT be on an AD for the long term.

:hug: I'm sorry you're feeling bad right now! It will get better, I promise. Oh, and in case you didn't know, TS has a password-protected mental health forum. (I think you can PM Alison (twoplustwo) for the password if you're interested.) Hang in there!

 

i didn't develop PPD but depression & mental health issues in general run in my family & the one thing i know about meds is that it's often more art than science. as the PP said, if they're not working, don't continue - try a different brand or dose. it can take a while to find the right balance but you will definitely get there. always let your doctor know how you're REALLY doing - s/he will be your best source for finding what works for you.

:hug: PPD is not an easy thing to deal with! it definitely makes an already tough job tougher. just know that you're not alone. and if you ever need to vent, please feel free. :hug:

 

I was diagnosed with PPD at three weeks postpartum. I started on Zoloft (safe for bf/pregnancy) and it made the world of difference for me. I also started seeing a mental health therapist and it has been great. Check out the mental health forum here for more stories on PPD. You are NOT alone in your feelings and I wish you all the best!

Katie

 

I didn't suffer from PPD but I have had problems with depression in my past (health related). I have tried many different anti-depressants and I did have one that helped me for a while. But unilke what a PP said I had a very hard time getting off any antidepressant I tried. I went off it slowly and I still had withdrawals (jitters,heart palpatations, sweats etc.) I'm not trying to scare you but I personaly haven't had the experience with it being easy to just get off of it and change to another drug. It slowly builds up in your symtem, that why Dr's say it usually takes 4 to 6 weeks to see improvements. I do know lots of people that have had success with the meds and have had little to no side effects but I wanted you to know both sides before making a decision. Good luck and I hope you feel better soon.

 

I realized that I had ppd after the twins, and went on lexapro. It did help, but after two months I went back to the doc and she switched me to efexir (sp?) b/c I said I still struggled a bit. Within days I felt like a new person. The twins are almost 9 mos. old and I am still taking the meds. I don't plan to try to come off them for another couple of months since I have no side effects and life with all these children is wild ride!

 

QUOTE
I personaly haven't had the experience with it being easy to just get off of it and change to another drug. It slowly builds up in your symtem, that why Dr's say it usually takes 4 to 6 weeks to see improvements.


Just wanted to add a couple things - it may take as long as 4-6 wks to feel back to 100%, but many people start to feel better in as little as a couple weeks. (Therapy can also help speed recovery time.)

Also, I might be wrong about this, but I'd always heard that getting of an AD after only a couple weeks is no big deal - it's only if you've been on it for months that you might feel a bit funny coming off it.

Anyway, good luck, and I hope you can find treatment that you're comfortable with and feel better soon.

 

Hi, I just started Lexapro, 10 mg (I think this is a low dose). I was feeling really cranky and very impatient. I've only been on it for a week and a half, so I'm just getting started. I haven't had any negative side effects so far. I would love to exercise more, but it's really hard to do it while caring for twins. I used to exercise 4-5 times a week. Now I'm lucky if I can do it twice a week. It's not enough to help me combat the depression. I was on a low dose of Lexapro when I had two knee surgeries a few years ago. It helped a lot, so I'm hoping it will do the same now.
Beth

 

:hug: I am glad that your DH, you, and your OB all recognize that you might need some help. That is so great to have such a nice support system. I did a lot of crying for months. I did talk to my OB about it and we decided to go the exercise route for me. I did that for a year-yes a year. Then I just wasnt feeling right...always frustrated, not sleeping well, yelling alot a the kids. So I went back and started on Zoloft at 25 mg. I started feeling much better just after a week of being on the meds. I have been increased to 50mg and feel awesome. I am so glad that there is medication out there to help. I was also told that there is no risk of dependancy. I have been on meds now for 3 months and can honestly say they have helped me tremendously. GL! with your decision.