Anyone taking anxiety medication?

elgizzo · January 2015

Hi everybody. So, I have recently developed some pretty bad anxiety, irrational anxiety at that. I saw my doctor on Monday and he prescribed me Buspar. I feel like it might be starting to help a bit. I haven't had any anxiety issues before, pregnant or not, so this is all new to me. (with my first pregnancy this didn't happen) I have done my fair share of googling and am really just more overwhelmed when I do that.

Does anyone else have any experience with this medication, or maybe techniques to help you keep you mind calm? My doctor wants me to go see a psychiatrist, which I did make an appointment for next Monday. I'm curious to see how that goes and what he has to say. If anyone has any words of advice or wouldn't mind sharing your own experiences I would love to hear them. Thanks for reading.

sweaver93 · January 2015

Sorry you are experiencing this. Anxiety is no joke! Personally, my doctor doesn't like prescribing medicine for it so she gave me a list of things to try to help. Try going for walks by yourself, wrIte things out (I feel so much better and calmer after writing down everything on my mind), drink some camomile tea, read a book, take a bath, take a few minutes for yourself daily, or try yoga. I have no experience with medicines for it while pregnant, but I really hope that seeing someone and talking to them helps you feel better!

Edit- I'm having issues with spelling apparently

elgizzo · January 2015

@sweaver93 I usually don't like taking medicines either (especially pregnant), but I was literally at a point where I felt like I was losing my mind. I even made an after hours call to my doctor hoping he could do something. I used to do Yoga and I really enjoyed it, maybe I'll give it a try again. Thanks for your responses!

MalVough · January 2015

I've dealt with anxiety but was taken off most medication when I got pregnant. I do not have experience with Buspar.

Some items in my anti-anxiety tool bag:

I use essential oils (there's one oil called Serenity by doTERRA that I put on my temples at night). I also use an oil called Balance in a diffuser at work.

Lavender bubble bath (lavender anything, really) is super relaxing.

I only watch comedies before going to bed. It helps me fall asleep to happy thoughts

And l'll go for a massage every once in a while, not only for the massage but for the overall relaxation and the turning off my cell phone. Disconnecting is important when you get overwhelmed.

Unknown · January 2015

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elgizzo · January 2015

@stefmxo that is more of my problem too. Its a fear of something happening, that I know is not going to happen. My life is consumed by it. This medicine is seeming to help make my mind a little clearer, but I still cannot get these thoughts out of my head. I hesitate to say why, because I know it sounds completely crazy, but I have developed a fear that floors are going to collapse. We moved into a new house the beginning of Dec and it has a basement. I'm afraid to put to much weight into the fridge, afraid to fill the tub to give my kid a bath and have me sit on the edge of the tub, afraid to have anyone come over.... you name it, putting weight on anything makes me think I will fall through the floor. Rational me knows this will not happen, yet I have trouble being at home. If my appt on monday gives me anything to help ease these fears, I would be happy to share with you. I realize we have different fears, but it seems like we both are in the boat that we realize we shouldn't be afraid, that everything will actually be fine, but we still are.

rita213 · January 2015

I take buspar 15mg 3x a day I have GAD, generalized anxiety disorder, I was on this before pregnancy but 2x a day and my anxiety is elevated because of pregnancy and that my youngest is a severe bipolar and stresses me out so I take a PRN klonopin 0.25-.5mg upto several times a week to help with the break through anxiety. I am able to manage most days. Buspar was my docs choice because klonopin wasn't a good long term choice which I was on before the buspar, plus I have low platelets and some anxiety meds can actually lower it more.

lisap0924 · January 2015

I have dealt with anxiety and depression for most of my adult life.
I have been lucky to keep it under control with no medicine through my pregnancy. I did take celexa pre pregnancy but weaned off before getting pregnant.
I find that being very conscious of my anxiety helps me. When I feel myself getting anxious I try hard to stop and think: is this rational? Am I being crazy right now?
I have also found that yoga helps. Even just laying in my bed breathing helps too.
Good luck to you!

MrsPope1770 · January 2015

I'm surprised that they started you on Buspar without any kind of emergency med. If your symptoms are as severe as you describe, the Buspar won't help very much for several weeks. It is a medication that has to build up to gain effectiveness. It may be helping a tad right now, or it may be a placebo effect, but within a few weeks you will know how it works for you.

I've not taken it during pregnancy, but I did take it a few years ago for anxiety. I don't really have a personal opinion on the effectiveness because it was combined with other meds. Please be aware of your mental state, hyper aware while starting a new med--especially pregnant--and report the mental side effects to your doctor.

elgizzo · January 2015

MrsPope1770 said:
I'm surprised that they started you on Buspar without any kind of emergency med. If your symptoms are as severe as you describe, the Buspar won't help very much for several weeks. It is a medication that has to build up to gain effectiveness. It may be helping a tad right now, or it may be a placebo effect, but within a few weeks you will know how it works for you.

I've not taken it during pregnancy, but I did take it a few years ago for anxiety. I don't really have a personal opinion on the effectiveness because it was combined with other meds. Please be aware of your mental state, hyper aware while starting a new med--especially pregnant--and report the mental side effects to your doctor.

I think as of now, it's helping more with the physical symptoms. I'm less tense, don't get the tightening closed up feeling in my chest. Which is helping me to not freak out more. When I felt like that I would just get more upset and feel like I was going even more crazy, if that makes sense. My doc said he picked that one because it's safe during pregnancy. And honestly, he referred me to the psychiatrist because he wasn't very familiar with my specific issue. Maybe this new doctor will have more insight. I'm definitely not better, but feel slightly more in control.

I appreciate your, and everyone's else's responses and support. It means a lot.

akj166 · January 2015

@elgizzo I'm sorry you are going through this! I have GAD and was on Paxil for 8 years. When we started trying I went off all meds and it was awful! 2 months prior to conceiving, I started a low dose of Zoloft which has provided me with some comfort. I see a counselor every 2 months or so and she has been monitoring me as well as the OB. Neither have been concerned because the dose is so low. It's better to have your anxiety under control for a healthy pregnancy. Good luck with you!

Brittanytl · January 2015

I know how you are feeling! I was diagnosed with anxiety/OCD early last month. I was at my lowest low at that point. I was referred to a psychiatrist who prescribed me fluvoxamine. After about 1 week I started to feel a difference. Not like 100% or anything. But after 2 weeks, I'd say I was about 80%! I still have bad times but my whole life is not a bad time like it was before. The first few days of the medication were really horrible. They actually increased my anxiety and gave me suicidal thoughts. I had to go to the hospital because I was not eating or drinking. I stayed for 4 days while they checked everything that I thought was "wrong" with me. All tests came back fine and I was feeling on top of the world! Then the night I got home, I had a huge break down and felt as though I were back to square 1. My husband refused to take me back to the hospital but instead, he spoon fed me my meals and took me in for an emergency session with the psychologist. That kind of helped. After a few more days of no sleep and very little eating, I finally started to feel a little like myself again. My husband noticed me smile on the 7th day. And like I said, about 2 weeks in, I felt so much better. I am still seeing the therapist every two weeks for cognitive behavioral therapy sessions and they are helping tremendously as well. I hope you can start to feel some more relied soon.

elgizzo · January 2015

@Brittanytl‌ thank you for sharing. I'm glad to hear you're getting past it, even with a bit of a rough patch in there. You said you were diagnosed a month ago. Can I ask if it was a sudden thing that happened to you? Or have you had issues for some time? I guess I'm wondering if some of this is due to our bodies being a bit wonky during pregnancy. I just hope after giving birth maybe I'll start to feel better too. Wishful thinking, maybe. Did your doctors say pregnancy had anything to do with it, or maybe enhanced your feelings? Thanks again, it helps tremendously to know I'm not completely alone!

Brittanytl · January 2015

@elgizzo‌ I have had SOME anxiety and OCD issues in the past but I never realized that that's what it was. I just thought I had the normal stresses as every other person in the world does! The Drs think that being pregnant and moving across the world (we moved to Germany about 6 months ago) and being without family is probably what brought out the issues even more. Also, my mother has SEVERE OCD. She has been on medication for 5 years or so and she is a completely different person now. So I think a mixture of all of those things have kinda broke me down to my lowest point. Im terrified that after I have this baby, that things will get bad again because of all the hormones. I'm almost like expecting it. I have enough refills of my medication to last me until after the baby is born so of things get worse, she may up my dosage. Also, I had a hard time breastfeeding my son for the first 3 months (after that it got much better) and I was literally crying every time I would nurse him so I'm hoping I can make it through this time. I'm seriously doubting myself, but hopefully I can do it! I nursed my son for 2 years so I would feel like a total failure if I gave up because of my own mental issues. Sorry this was so long! I hope you start feeling much better soon! It's complete hell when you constantly think something is going to happen or that you're dying of some terrible disease or whatever anxieties that you have.

ckeates · January 2015

I have also had very mild anxiety in the past but am now dealing with it more and more. I suddenly lost my mother this October and the fear of loss consumes me sometimes. I've had minor issues with this pregnancy that the drs have been monitoring since 16 weeks- most recent is a harmless cyst on my placenta that has now grown just large enough to reach the baby's umbilical cord. My dr is not concerned and truly thinks this will have no effect on my baby but they are sending me for NST twice a week just as a precaution. This has made my anxiety go trough the roof. My constant fear is that his cord will become compressed and I'll lose him. If I go a few days without a lot of movement I panic. It's bad. I'm trying my best to stay calm and look at odds and trust my dr but everyday is different. I'm glad to know I'm not alone in this!

Unknown · January 2015

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Mrslynn0714 · January 2015

I have just been lurking around here and haven't formally introduced myself but I am a March 2015 mama and I couldn't read this without responding because I've dealt with pretty severe anxiety during my pregnancy as well. I hope no one gets mad at me for responding when I'm just a lurker but I figured if I can help someone then it's worth it.

I have had anxiety most of my teen and adult life and I was previously on Zoloft daily and klonopin as needed. I weaned off of them before becoming pregnant but at the end of my first trimester I started having panic attacks again and I was really struggling. I have also been in therapy for about a year and a half. I was considering going back on medicine but I wanted to avoid it if possible.

I spoke to my ob and she recommended acupuncture. I was really skeptical at first because I felt like if meds and therapy only helped somewhat then there was no way acupuncture would help, but I was desperate so I gave it a shot. I am not exaggerating when I say acupuncture has worked better for me than medicine and therapy combined. I go twice a week and (knock on wood) I have not had a panic attack since I started. I love going and I feel like it completely changed my outlook on pregnancy and has allowed me to relax and enjoy most of my pregnancy. I still get tense and sometimes slightly anxious, but I don't have the panic feeling anymore or the overwhelming anxiety I had before.

I would strongly suggest trying acupuncture if you haven't already. I felt a difference after the first session, but they say it can take a few sessions before you feel a difference, so stick with it for a couple weeks before you decide if it works. Sorry this is so long but I hope it helps and that you feel better soon!

ckeates · January 2015

Thank you! Actually my sister is 8wks behind me and she goes once a week ... She began going bc she has several losses and began her pregnancy with the appts. I never considered it for anxiety but it's worth a shot! Thanks

. I am also a lurker. I never really post on here but I'm happy I did today and that you did too!

Unknown · January 2015

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kaydedid · January 2015

Don'T know if this helps, but I have some anxiety issues (usually goes along with PTSD episodes) along with major depression. So far, Paxil has been the best for both the depression and anxiety. Because I'm at a really high risk for PPD, my psychiatrist is starting me on Paxil right after delivery.

According the the psychiatrist (who specializes in PPD), Paxil is fine to take later in third tri or while breastfeeding, because only very small amounts cross the placenta or are secreted in breastmilk ("almost negligible" in her words). The reason Paxil is not recommended for pregnancy is due to an increased risk of heart defects early on in the pregnancy. I'm more comfortable waiting until after delivery to start on the drugs, but if my mood was really bad I would start on the medication earlier.

So it looks like there are definitely options for drugs while breastfeeding or even a bit before birth.

elgizzo · January 2015

stefmxo said:
Any other anxiety moms have any advice to stop worrying about really horrible things like stillbirth. The thought literally crosses my mind every 20 minutes. I want to be so excited about my daughters impending arrival, but this fear consumes me.

I know our anxieties are different, but I saw a therapist for the first time about this the other day. She had a suggestion of getting a journal and writing in it Everytime you feel anxious or have these thoughts. Like you, my issues are on my mind constantly but maybe even just setting time once a day to write in it. She basically said she wants me to feel like I have control over something. And maybe we would be able to start seeing patterns of when this happens and it's bad. Good luck to you, I know how it feels to feel completely consumed by a thought, almost paralyzed with fear. I hope we all get the relief we need!

elgizzo · January 2015

Mrslynn0714 said:
I have just been lurking around here and haven't formally introduced myself but I am a March 2015 mama and I couldn't read this without responding because I've dealt with pretty severe anxiety during my pregnancy as well. I hope no one gets mad at me for responding when I'm just a lurker but I figured if I can help someone then it's worth it.

I have had anxiety most of my teen and adult life and I was previously on Zoloft daily and klonopin as needed. I weaned off of them before becoming pregnant but at the end of my first trimester I started having panic attacks again and I was really struggling. I have also been in therapy for about a year and a half. I was considering going back on medicine but I wanted to avoid it if possible.

I spoke to my ob and she recommended acupuncture. I was really skeptical at first because I felt like if meds and therapy only helped somewhat then there was no way acupuncture would help, but I was desperate so I gave it a shot. I am not exaggerating when I say acupuncture has worked better for me than medicine and therapy combined. I go twice a week and (knock on wood) I have not had a panic attack since I started. I love going and I feel like it completely changed my outlook on pregnancy and has allowed me to relax and enjoy most of my pregnancy. I still get tense and sometimes slightly anxious, but I don't have the panic feeling anymore or the overwhelming anxiety I had before.

I would strongly suggest trying acupuncture if you haven't already. I felt a difference after the first session, but they say it can take a few sessions before you feel a difference, so stick with it for a couple weeks before you decide if it works. Sorry this is so long but I hope it helps and that you feel better soon!

This is really interesting! Thank you for your reply. I think I'm going to do a little research on this and talk to my doctor. At this point I'll do anything to feel like myself again. I seriously asked my doctor if I could be hypnotized. I'm glad to hear it helped you. It gives me a little hope to know people can get past this.

sstrom22 · January 2015

You are definitely not alone... I went off of my Zoloft when I found out I was pregnant (was off for DD as well) and it is a struggle. With DD I went back and forth about going on meds, but my doctor was super supportive with my decision either way. I made it, but I tried a lot of the things other PPs had mentioned, like making sure I walked every day and I also started taking fish oil... it could be a complete placebo effect, but I think it makes a difference for me!

A psychiatrist will be able to help you understand your meds more (like when you should start to feel a difference and when to decide whether or not they are working) and hopefully gives you more information and makes you feel better about things.

I'm so sorry you're going through this... Hopefully this is just a hormonal effect and it is something that goes away for you PP.

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