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Postpartum Depression
lexapro
hello,
i was diagnosed with ppd a few weeks ago. i haven't started my meds yet for a few different reasons. i'm probably in denial and trying to believe that i really don't have ppd... i realize this. but, my exhaustion has really got me almost desperate, so i'm making a conscious decision to try and accept it a little more. so i have the bottle of lexapro sitting in my bedroom, but i have yet to take it. i'm really scared to take an anti-depressant. i have such a fear that i won't ever be able to NOT be on it again in the future and i'd hate to be so dependent on a drug. does anyone know if there's a high likelihood of that addiction/dependency? i'm also pretty weight-conscious. i'm currently still 25 lbs over where i'd like to be. so, the thought of gaining even more upsets me also.
can anyone share their experience? will lexapro really possibly give more energy? i feel like i shouldn't be this tired since my 2 month old already sleeps through the night. ugggghhhh....
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Re: lexapro
I understand those fears. My experience with Lexapro was great though. I was in a really bad place with PPD when I started. I was crying all day long and had overwhelming anxiety. Within a few days of taking the meds, I started to feel a little better. I hated the idea of taking them, but I needed it and it was the best decision I made. Soon I was back to myself and enjoying my baby.
I took Lexapro for almost a year. I don't know of any evidence that SSRI's are addictive (but I'm not an expert). My experience was not like that at all. The withdrawal symptoms were tough for a couple weeks after going off the medicine, but I just had some dizziness and nausea while my body adjusted. It wasn't like I imagine a withdrawal from an addictive drug would be. You just have to wean off them slowly as your doctor will advise and you should be ok.
I felt exhausted from the depression and that got better with the meds for sure. I'm still always tired though! But I have a one year old that still rarely sleeps through the night so I attribute my tiredness to that!
I just wanted to mention too, though you didn't ask, medicine helps some but I felt like therapy helped more. If you are really struggling it will help to talk with someone. I did both, therapy and medication. Just thought I'd mention that.
I know it is a hard decision to make. It does get better though. Good luck!
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 and did not find that I depended on it even after long term use. With this drug, I think dependency is mostly a mental thing, not a side effect caused by the drug. You should be ok, but voice your concerns with your DR if you are still concerned.
Good luck, depression sucks *hug*
I am a therapist and can tell you that addiction is typically not associated with Lexapro. If you are more comfortable, start out with a low dose and see how it feels. If you are uncomfortable, I would recommend you talk with your doctor about your concerns. PPD is not anything to be ashamed of. A lot of women go through it. And it doesn't matter if your baby is sleeping through the night, being a new mother is both physically and emotionally exhausting. It takes a good year to adjust to having a new baby. You do not have to feel like this. I also recommend therapy. Having someone to normalize your feelings can do a lot for making you feel better and more sane. You can also learn some coping skills and strategies of self care that can help you feel better without medications.
Taking medications is a very personal decision. You have to feel right about your choice. So get some more information and if you truly aren't comfortable taking them, explore some other options to find what is best for you.
I hope this helps.
Dana Vince, LPC, MHSP https://www.healingheartscounseling.org
I was on Lexapro after the birth of my daughter and am on it again now after the birth of my son, each time for pp anxiety. With my daughter I only took it for a month and that was enough to get my hormones all back in order. This time I have been on it two months and don't feel like I am quite ready to go off of it yet, but probably willbe in a month or so hopefully.
The best advice I can give you is to start before it gets worse. I was in a really bad place after DD was born and luckily my Dh and mom were supportive and yet hardnosed at the same time about taking the meds to get me back to normal. It was the best thing I ever did.