Postpartum Depression

intro & ? about meds "lexapro"

Hey ladies. I am SO glad to see this board! I was wondering why there wasn't a board on here about PPD when it is such an important topic.

 My story: I gave birth 3 weeks ago to a precious baby boy. I love him more than life itself. I have never thought of harming him. But sometimes I think about my life before him, will my life ever be about me again, will I ever feel not sad, etc.....

I think I may be suffering from PPA. I don't really feel depressed, just very on edge and restless. I have lost interest in going out and doing anything because I am afraid DS will scream and cry. (of course he will, he's a baby right??) But my fears and anxiety have somewhat paralyzed me from wanting to do anything or go anywhere.

 It's even affected my appetite to the point that my milk dried up and I am now forced to bottle feed, which of course adds to my feelings of anxiety and guilt.

I have a dr. apt in a little while. Some of my friends also had these sorts of feelings and their doctors all prescribed lexapro. It is to control seratonin and other hormone levels in the brain that lead to anxiety. Anyone out there have experience with this med?

Re: intro & ? about meds "lexapro"

  • Lexapro is an selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and is quite similiar to other drugs like Paxil, Zoloft, Celexa, etc. They act on the brain by inhibiting the neurotransmitters from uptaking free serotonin in the brain, therefore allowing for increased serotonin levels which helps to relieve depression and anxiety symptoms. There are many SSRIs out there to choose from because what works for one person may not be as effective to another. Good luck at your drs appt - be utterly and completely honest about how you are feeling so that you can get the help you need. Good luck and keep us updated!
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  • That's what I'm on!

    My doc said he prefers Lexapro because it's not a "happy pill" like some other meds are (not sure which ones), but that it evens out your hormones /. chemical imbalances to get you back to your normal self.

    I have to agree. I feel "normal" on it. Been very happy with it overall.

    GL!
  • My OB put me on Lexapro after I didn't see improvement on Zoloft. I feel quite a bit better. My Dr. said it is a newer med and that some people see quicker results than Zoloft. I still have a ways to go, but I will stay on the Lexapro. It has made a big difference for me.
    PCOS dx 2008 | BFP #1 2/26/2009 with Metformin
    Owen Matthew 11/1/2009 4lbs 10oz 16.5in
    Born 5 weeks early by C/S | Severe Pre-Eclampsia
    BFP #2 5/1/2011 | M/C @ 7 weeks | D&C 5/25/2011
    TTC #2 | HSG Clear | SA 2% Morph otherwise great
    3 failed Femara/TI cycles moving on to IUI
  • I have been on Lexapro in the past. ?It was great with helping with the anxiety in my life, but it made me quite sleepy. ?It was almost like I always had Xanax in my system. ?It does work great though, just wanted to mention the side effect. ?I ended up switching to Prozac and liked that better. ??

  • I always liked it.  Just went off to get pregnant and still off while BF.  Because it's newer, there's no research on how it affects preg or BF.  I think it had the dreaded "sexual side effects" with me, but overall was worth it.
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