Torn: Antidepressants?

Mrs Carbo · April 2012

I've struggled with anxiety and depression in the past.

In college it got pretty bad and I developed an eating disorder that landed me in the hospital. I'm proud to say that with a lot of hard work I've been recovered for 4 years. That hard work included a lot of therapy in conjunction with antidepressants.

It took me a while to find a medicine that worked for me, but eventually I settled on a low dose of Lexapro (10 mg).

When DH and I decided to start TTC, I tapered off the Lexapro with the help of my Dr. I did this at the same time as stopping BC. I got pg right away, so I feel like any negative feelings that may have cropped up after stopping the medication were overshadowed by my happiness.

And then my world came crashing down.

I was determined to stay off the Lexapro, but have found myself struggling recently. I know that anxiety and depression are part of who I am, and something that I will always have to deal with. I know TTCAL is stressful, but I feel like there is a very fine line between focus / drive and unhealthy stress.

I've started exercising again, I'm doing acupuncture, eating better, and trying to do everything to keep my mind off of TTC, but I'm still stressed. Deep down, I feel like I need to start the Lexapro again for my own sanity and for DH's sanity.

I have an appointment with my OB tomorrow. I plan on discussing it with him and know that I will have to ultimately follow his advice and guidance. I'm just wondering if anyone else has experience with this and any wisdom to share?

raashton · April 2012

I totally get what you are going through. I have been on bipolar medication since I was 17. Last April, I started slowly stepping down my dosage in order to get pregnant. I also go pg right away after hitting 0 and stopping BCP. During the time of little to no medicine, I also got married and started grad school. I am now starting to REALLY feel the effects of no meds. Like you, I feel so conflicted and have tried more natural methods. I am powering through but am so worried about the day that I can't power through.

I wish I had more to offer you in ways of what's the best choice but I can only offer you support and letting you know you aren't alone. However, I imagine that I am not too far away from saying that we should just take a break for a few months.

Much love and hugs to you!

atmidwoodtobe · April 2012

I also struggle with depression and anxiety. I talked to my therapist and told her that I would like to avoid taking medication at all costs. She suggested that I start taking fish oil as it is a natural anti depressant. My father also struggles with depression and anxiety (runs in the family) and he has begun taking folic acid. He was amazed at the impact it had once he started taking it regularly.

HTH! And of course, I hope that you are able to get to a better place soon.

**HUGS**

Bizzy80 · April 2012

First off, congratulations on overcoming your eating disorder. That had to be really difficult to go through. You are one strong woman if you have been recovered for 4 years!

I too have struggled with depression and anxiety for most of my life so don't think you are alone. My anxiety got really bad right after I graduated high school and I have been on a low dose of anti-depressants ever since (more than 10 years now). I have been on Lexapro, Wellbutrin, Paxil, and also Prozac. For me Prozac has been the best fit. I have more energy now and feel much better about myself. I went off my medicine one time but did not wean myself like the doctor recommended and ended up feeling like I was going crazy. So I have been on it ever since. I have been doing Acupuncture too just like you and this has helped out so much. I have actually been seriously thinking about going off it again but the right way this time.

I have spoke with my RE and my psychologist about this several times and they both agree that if I truly feel like I need to be on it then it is better to be on a low dose and feel good about myself than to be off it and struggle with depression and anxiety. It's not healthy to struggle with these if you get pregnant and the benefits of being on it outweight the cons. I don't know which category Lexapro is classified in or if it is safe while ttc but you doctor can definetly tell you which ones are safe. I wish you the best of luck and hope you feel better soon. Left Hug

Kpsbabyzoe · April 2012

First off, I want to praise you for all the hard work you've put in to take care of yourself. I speak from experience when I say, battling an eating disorder is not easy, neither is struggling with depression and anxiety. It sounds like you're doing the best you can without the medication. So, it's not like I could tell you to exercise more etc before you try going back on the medicine. If you really feel like starting it up again is the right decision- the go for it. Keep this in mind for your future babies, and family- a happy momma, means a happy baby. This was something my counselor has reminded me of a lot. It's OK to take care of yourself first and you really should. Especially if your OB is comfortable with you being on the medication, and/or is aware that you are on it then I say do it.

I didn't end up going on anti-anxiety/anti-depressants because the anxiety over being on the medication was too over whelming for me personally. But, if its worked for you before, then really, go with your gut.

Huge ((HUGS)) to you. T&P for you that you feel you are able to make the right decision for yourself, and for happier days ahead!

kpowers982 · April 2012

I take 'em. I stopped last year when we started TTC, and I had such a bad "kickback" of depression after a couple of months, I went back on the lowest dose of Prozac. While pregnant, I saw a perinatalogist and asked about the Prozac. He said it was a personal choice, and he felt the complications would/could be the worst in 3rd tri closer to delivery, so we had agreed that I was fine on the low dose but would try to wean at some point at the end of second tri. Of course if you can manage without it, go with that, but the specialist didn't seem to see any major issues with that specific medication for me at all. He basically said being depressed/anxious wasn't going to be good either so if the low dose kept everything in line, to go with it. I'm still taking it now and plan to if I get pregnant again. Good luck with whatever you decide!

LovesLabs · April 2012

I can truly sympathize with what you are going through. I have battled anxiety almost all of my life. As I've gotten older, it has gotten worse and has really started to impact my life on a daily basis. I was opposed to anti-depressants for a long time. I just didn't want to take medication and really felt like I could overcome it on my own. On the advice of an excellent psychiatrist/therapist, I made a lot of changes. I began eating healthy, limiting caffeine, running, practicing yoga, doing acupuncture, and practicing various mental exercises recommended by my therapist. At the end of the day, none of it made a difference. I finally accepted that I need meds and went on Prozac. It has 100% changed my life, and I'm so glad I finally started taking it.

I was at the point where I was having anxiety about my anxiety, and I was really starting to become depressed about my anxiety. My anxiety was really taking a toll on my overall health. My psychiatrist specializes in treating women with fertility issues, and she is the one who recommended Prozac. She felt strongly that my anxiety level was not healthy for me, especially when TTC, and wouldn't be healthy during pregnancy. My regular OB and RE are completely comfortable with me taking Prozac while TTC and while pregnant.

(((Hugs))) Anxiety is awful, and I wish you the best as you try to make a decision.

paisleybaby33 · April 2012

You are not alone. It is not something I discuss on a frequent basis, but I have too, struggled with extreme depression and anxiety my entire life. I have been on many medications in the past, but finally settled on Lexapro a few years back. It really helped not only my depression, but my anxiety and panic disorder as well. I too, went off my medication when we decided to TTC (this was in May 2011). I have been off of it since, but have struggled many times with the decision and wondered if I should go back on it again. For me, I just couldn't handle the potential fear that I may harm my unborn baby by taking these meds (even though my old OB always told me that my health was top priority and there are many women who have successful and healthy pregnancies while taking anti-depressants - she also told me that Lexapro was a "preferred" med for pregnant women - even though I don't know what that means.)

I know I'm rambling, but I just wanted to let you know that you are not alone. There are many women who struggle with this. I would encourage you to do what you already are planning on doing, which is talk to your doctor and make a decision together.

My heart goes out to you. (HUGS)

Allycat11 · April 2012

I also want to let you know how amazing it is that you have overcome your eating disorder and that you have been doing your best to take care of yourself. I have battled depression and anxiety for almost as long as I can remember, a few years ago I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. I did go off of medication to get pregnant, but I also have been considering going back on it.

This is something you should absolutely bring up with your OB and hopefully together you can find something that will allow you to take care of your mental health while trying to get pregnant.

Sorry I don't have much more wisdom, but I wanted to remind you that you definitely aren't alone and we are here for you.

GatorBaby2012 · April 2012

I'm so sorry you're going through this. I don't have any experience to share, but wanted to offer ((hugs)).

CCline09 · April 2012

I am so sorry. I understand what you are going through. I struggled with an eating disorder about 4 years ago and I have been off and on antidepressants for the past 2 years.

I hope you make whatever is the right decision for you. It truly is a tough decision...one I am facing myself.

Laurakat81 · April 2012

I can completely relate. My advice is to get back on the lexapro though. Or if your doctor recommends something else then maybe give it a try. My OB was adamant that she did NOT want me taking lexapro during pregnancy but said that she was more than okay with me taking it while TTC and would taper me off when I got a BFP. She said there would be no harm that early on.

I think you should take care of yourself first and foremost.

Mrs Carbo · April 2012

I PPH you all, thank you so much for your support.

orangegoggles · April 2012

Congrats on beating your eating disorder.

Like you and many others I have had my fair share of anxiety and depression. When I was younger (highschool, college) I was mostly depressed off and on and went on effexor. It really worked well and I was able to wean myself off of after about a year.

In the last 5 years or so I've been dealing with anxiety. I took lexapro for about 6 months and weaned myself off. Since then I have been trying to do more natural remedies such as excercise (this dramatically helps with my anxiety) and avoiding alcohol and limiting caffeine, yoga. etc. If you are trying all these things and even acupuncture &therapy and your body is still telling you that you need it, then you should listen to your body. Our bodies send messages and warning signs to us and it is important that we listen.

Even if you start up again, you may not need to be on for long. My doctor joked that sometimes our bodies need a "tune up" and when anxiety and depression is really bad it often means there is a chemical imbalance that can easily be fixed. Good luck hun.

Want a personalized experience?

Torn: Antidepressants?

Re: Torn: Antidepressants?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards