Advice Needed... anxiety meds while TTA...

figgs0831 · August 2011

Well, during my doctors visit for a UTI, I broke down in the office when she started pressing on my stomach. I hadn't slept in about 4 days and was completely wiped out. My doctor prescribed me xanex to take before bed so I can relax and try to get some sleep.

A week later, today, I went back for a follow-up. I only took the Xanex twice. Now that I am finally sleeping, all I want to do is sleep! I'm tired all day and sleep all night. Add on to it my up and down emotions.... She seems to think that I have anxiety issues and a little bit of depression since the loss. Duh.

Now she recommends a daily anti-anxiety med, like Zoloft. It would be a very low dose and I can stop when ever I need to. I would take it just for a month or so until I can get over this hurdle. I took the prescription, but I am not filling it yet. I'm not sure if this is the route I want to take. I've always prided myself on being able to get through situations without medical assistance. I kind of feel like a failure for needed prescription meds.

Has anyone here have experience with these meds??? What would you do??? I'm still in the TTA phase thanks to the missing AF, so I dont have to worry about getting pregnant yet. TIA

hopefulmom81 · August 2011

I am so sorry you are dealing with this!

Please don't take this as me being preachy. I have been through what you are going through, and I just have a pretty strong opinion.

I don't think that taking a pill with no talk therapy is ever going to solve the root cause of anxiety. I would think you would need to talk out your issues with the loss in order to really move past the negative feelings.

The pill might offer temporary relief from the affects of anxiety, but I would HIGHLY suggest seeking out a therapist or counselor in tandem with the medication.

I was able to overcome anxiety with talk therapy alone. The one time I was on Zoloft without therapy it made my anxiety worse and I just felt icky.

prestonsmomma · August 2011

I take both of those meds. Xanax will wipe you out until you get used to it. As far as the Zoloft goes, its really helped me and Ive been on it since my son passed. It generally takes a month or two for zoloft to work so you have to give it time. I was one of those people too who never needed meds to cope....until this happened. Failure? No way.. just to help you get over the hump.

amyrdz522 · August 2011

Unfortunately I do not have any experience with these meds but i wanted to tell you I am sorry you are facing such a tough time and I believe you should do what you feel is right. If you have the prescription it is there if it is needed but if you feel you do not need it then do not take it. Sorry i don't have a personal experience for you. (((hugs)))

Gator687 · August 2011

I don't have any experience here, but I just wanted to say that i'm sorry you are going through this!! ((hugs))

veggiechick120 · August 2011

Ive been on Zoloft off and on for about 8 years now. I have anxiety/OCD. I have been on anywhere from 50-100mg daily. I had stopped taking it when I was ttc #1, but during my 1st trimester I was so anxious I wasnt able to eat, sleep, panic attacks etc, so I was put back on it at 50mg and was monitored throughout the pg. no complications from it.

i am currently on 100mg, and it works well for me. I have very minimal panic attacks, unless in extremely stressful situation that triggers an attack, such as driving on a highway (long story, im nuts lol)

Medication is not for everyone, but with the right combo of meds and or therapy, it can totally help.

if you have any questions about side effects or anything, let me know ill be more than happy to talk to you about them, or anything else!

starrynight1658 · August 2011

It sucks to feel that way; I've struggled with anxiety and depression pretty much most of my adult life, and I manage it some times better than others.

First, please don't feel like a failure for needing drugs, if that's the route you choose to take. They're a tool in the toolbox to help you work through some pretty strong emotions. Just make sure you address what's causing the underlying emotion in some way, otherwise you're just treating the symptoms and not the cause, KWIM?

I took Zoloft for about a year a couple of years ago. I had a rough time adjusting to it (couldn't sleep, nausea, headaches), and even when I adjusted and the dosage was up, I didn't notice that big of a difference. I opted to take myself off the meds cold turkey about a year or so ago (which you are NOT supposed to do, BTW) because it destroyed my sex drive and gave me really bad night sweats, along with about a ten pound weight gain. Of course my anxiety returned, but I'm managing that right now with exercise and other things.

However, that was just my experience with one medication out of many that are out there. And I also know many people who have had tremendous success with Zoloft. That being said, I return to my initial statement: I think meds are great, as long as the underlying issues are being addressed in some other way.

Phew, this got long! I am so sorry that you're having such a rough time right now. This is such an incredibly difficult thing to go through. Please know I'm keeping you in my thoughts, and I'm here if you want to chat more.

figgs0831 · August 2011

hopefulmom81:

I am so sorry you are dealing with this!

Please don't take this as me being preachy. I have been through what you are going through, and I just have a pretty strong opinion.

I don't think that taking a pill with no talk therapy is ever going to solve the root cause of anxiety. I would think you would need to talk out your issues with the loss in order to really move past the negative feelings.

The pill might offer temporary relief from the affects of anxiety, but I would HIGHLY suggest seeking out a therapist or counselor in tandem with the medication.

I was able to overcome anxiety with talk therapy alone. The one time I was on Zoloft without therapy it made my anxiety worse and I just felt icky.

This is exactly what I am afraid of. I don't want to mask the issue. I also don't feel like I really need the meds. Yes I am having sleeping issues and Yes I have my moments of sadness, but who doesn't go through this at some point of a loss? I just feel like they push pills instead of just giving time a chance.

Sorry, I'm just confused. I'm trying to figure out if what I feel is normal for this stage of the grieving process or if I really do need additional help, including a therapist.

veggiechick120 · August 2011

oh yea, i agree w/ what PP said, most of the anxiety meds kill your sex drive. it sucks. but id rather no sex drive than anxiety attacks lol

mchisolm · August 2011

I'm so sorry you're going through this anxiety. I've been there, and it was just terrible!

I have taken both Xanax and Zoloft before (not at the same time...at 2 different points in my life), and felt 100% better after taking them. I was on them for just a few weeks, to help me get through a tough time, and when I felt ready I stopped taking them. I had no side effects or anything.

I do agree with PP, I would talk to a therapist first to see if that helps you get over your anxiety. If it doesn't, there is nothing to be ashamed of if you end up needing to take the pills. I personally went straight to the pills, which worked well for me ...but not everyone will experience that.

GL and I hope you feel better soon!

hopefulmom81 · August 2011

figgs0831:
hopefulmom81:

I am so sorry you are dealing with this!
Please don't take this as me being preachy. I have been through what you are going through, and I just have a pretty strong opinion.
I don't think that taking a pill with no talk therapy is ever going to solve the root cause of anxiety. I would think you would need to talk out your issues with the loss in order to really move past the negative feelings.
The pill might offer temporary relief from the affects of anxiety, but I would HIGHLY suggest seeking out a therapist or counselor in tandem with the medication.
I was able to overcome anxiety with talk therapy alone. The one time I was on Zoloft without therapy it made my anxiety worse and I just felt icky.
This is exactly what I am afraid of. I don't want to mask the issue. I also don't feel like I really need the meds. Yes I am having sleeping issues and Yes I have my moments of sadness, but who doesn't go through this at some point of a loss? I just feel like they push pills instead of just giving time a chance.
Sorry, I'm just confused. I'm trying to figure out if what I feel is normal for this stage of the grieving process or if I really do need additional help, including a therapist.

Please don't be sorry! It is very confusing, how would anyone know how to deal with the losses we have?

I guess what a therapist would say is if your issues are "disrupting your normal life" for a long period of time (i.e not able to get out of bed, you start avoiding public places that you used to enjoy) that is when it goes beyond "normal" grief.

I felt like my doctor back when I got zoloft (not loss related) was TOTALLY pushing pills and not really discussing why I felt the way I felt. I decided to look into talking to someone first and finding a good therapist "fit" before moving onto medication.

I do think that medication is a saving grace for many many people who grieve, I just strongly believe in talking to someone as well.

You know yourself best. If you feel uncomfortable with how your grief involves with your life, it might be time to seek out someone to talk to and see how that goes and then decide if you need the "stabilizer" of the pills. If it is bad now, maybe take the "stabilizer" and decide if you need therapy?

figgs0831 · August 2011

Thank you ladies for the advice and support. It is so nice to have a place like this to go to. My DH thinks I'm nuts and am deliberately trying not to heal. Soo... needless to say, I don't usually discuss the loss and any feelings I have at home. I think his exact words were, "You are just not going through the grieving process in the correct way. You shouldn't dwell on what isn't there anymore. You should look forward to the future and get over it."

Anyways...I am going to hold on to the prescription for a few days until I can figure out what I want to do.

BlondeBride123 · August 2011

I was prescribed a low dose of Prozac while I was still in the hospital. For me, I found it very helpful. It took a good 2 weeks for it to build up and see a difference. I began having more good days than bad. I did mention to my OB that I did not want to continue on it long term, especially while TTC. She supported me as long as I was willing to line up individual therapy because she (and I) felt that being pregnant again will be too emotional to go at without any intervention.

hopefulmom81 · August 2011

figgs0831:
Thank you ladies for the advice and support. It is so nice to have a place like this to go to. My DH thinks I'm nuts and am deliberately trying not to heal. Soo... needless to say, I don't usually discuss the loss and any feelings I have at home. I think his exact words were, "You are just not going through the grieving process in the correct way. You shouldn't dwell on what isn't there anymore. You should look forward to the future and get over it."

Anyways...I am going to hold on to the prescription for a few days until I can figure out what I want to do.

Indifferent I am so sorry for your DH's reaction to you. Some men have a hard time watching us hurt and say the dumbest things sometimes.

There is NO "correct" way to grieve. You grieve how you grieve and it is okay. You are a smart, capable woman, and you will figure out the right answer ((HUG)). PM me if you have any questions.

veggiechick120 · August 2011

figgs0831:

Thank you ladies for the advice and support. It is so nice to have a place like this to go to. My DH thinks I'm nuts and am deliberately trying not to heal. Soo... needless to say, I don't usually discuss the loss and any feelings I have at home. I think his exact words were, "You are just not going through the grieving process in the correct way. You shouldn't dwell on what isn't there anymore. You should look forward to the future and get over it."

Anyways...I am going to hold on to the prescription for a few days until I can figure out what I want to do.

Ughh looks like YH and MH have something in common. I hate that i cant talk to mh about it...he just doesnt understand. Ive even tried telling him how frustrating he can be when he makes comments like the ones yh does, but he just doesnt get it. Im sorry your dealing w/ this.

coastalmaine · August 2011

I started taking Zoloft my sophomore year of college and have been on it ever since (I am now 34) for anxiety and panic attacks. I took Xanax for a short time with the Zoloft to stabilize me until the Zoloft kicked in. I have tried to live without Zoloft a couple of times but ended up just having to go back on it due to the panic attacks/anxiety returning. Personally, Zoloft has changed my life and allowed me to function as a normal human being. I asked the OB about taking Zoloft during pregnancy and she said it is actually one they recommend if you are experiencing anxiety/depression. I asked if I should go off from the Zoloft while pregnant and she daid that phsyciatrists and OBs agree that it is more risky for those that need it to go off the med than stay on it and they recommend to stay on it. That is my experience. Everyone else is different. I don't remember having any side effects from the Xanax...I did have dry mouth and lost my appetite some with Zoloft for the first couple of weeks until my system got used to it. Everyone has their one views...do what is best for yourself. Good luck to you!

emeraudecephiro · August 2011

figgs0831:
Well, during my doctors visit for a UTI, I broke down in the office when she started pressing on my stomach. I hadn't slept in about 4 days and was completely wiped out. My doctor prescribed me xanex to take before bed so I can relax and try to get some sleep.

A week later, today, I went back for a follow-up. I only took the Xanex twice. Now that I am finally sleeping, all I want to do is sleep! I'm tired all day and sleep all night. Add on to it my up and down emotions.... She seems to think that I have anxiety issues and a little bit of depression since the loss. Duh.

Now she recommends a daily anti-anxiety med, like Zoloft. It would be a very low dose and I can stop when ever I need to. I would take it just for a month or so until I can get over this hurdle. I took the prescription, but I am not filling it yet. I'm not sure if this is the route I want to take. I've always prided myself on being able to get through situations without medical assistance. I kind of feel like a failure for needed prescription meds.

Has anyone here have experience with these meds??? What would you do??? I'm still in the TTA phase thanks to the missing AF, so I dont have to worry about getting pregnant yet. TIA

I take ativan (like xanax but less strong) and Prozac ( an anti-depressant similar to zoloft) both are safe for TTA and they work very well, especially if you pair with therapy or frequent psychiatrist visits. My doctor told me it is safe to take xanax or ativan until BFP seeing by the time you share blood with the baby, it is out of your system...hope this helps...feel free to PM me... I take a lot of these kinds of medications.

Don't feel like a failure. Do you use ointment to make a cut heal better? Do you take antibiotics to make an infection get better? It is something that helps, especially Zoloft or Prozac and are easily to make the transition into TTC with.

If Xanax is too strong, maybe ask your doctor about Ativan...It is like xanax as it is an anti-anxiety, but you can function a bit better on it.

johnnys june · August 2011

I've heard of alot of ladies doing this (not necessarily on here). My doc recommended/offered as well. I declined. I was just like you (could sleep all night and still be so tired during the day) for a long time. But if passed. I do suffer from anxiety, but I've found natural methods to help calm me. However, with that said, I've read and heard that taking a low dose can help tremendously. There are also safe meds for during Pg which my doc has already discussed with me. The goal in our next pg is to stay calm and as less stress as possible. She said there are several options and some woman who have conceived after a loss said it was the best thing they did. GL, hun, and *huge hugs*

pb127 · August 2011

I got a prescription for ativan after my loss. I took it as needed and ended up needing to take only about 15 of them. I just needed a little help to get past the initial panic attacks that set in about 10 days after my loss because the attacks made it impossible for me to function.

After that, I have been working on other ways to help with my anxiety (walking/jogging, yoga, doing puzzle books, listening to my ipod when panic sets in, etc). There's nothing wrong with getting a little help when you need it, and when you're ready you can find other ways to address your anxiety.

mizpreggypants · August 2011

In January of 2010 I was dealing with a lot of personal family issues and work was really difficult. I ended up having to see the doctor because my blood pressure was really high. She diagnosed me with stress induced anxiety and prescribed me Xanax because she had to get me "calmed down" as quickly as possible. Xanax calms your brain down. I was on 25 mg three times a day as needed. After things got better with the family drama and work calmed down I was down to just one pill before bed to help me sleep. I quit taking it completely a few months before we decided to TTC.

I had no side effects ever and it really did help get my blood pressure under control. I had no issues stopping it either.

Want a personalized experience?

Advice Needed... anxiety meds while TTA...

Re: Advice Needed... anxiety meds while TTA...

Choose Another Board

Search Boards