Depression. PPD.

klkonwi · May 2015

Ok... So I take Wellbutrin for depression and started it at 20 weeks. I feel that I can't even tell if it's working anymore. I also think that from research I'll need to switch to another antidepressant that is safe with breastfeeding.
Anyone on a med they feel is not working?! Is it just my hormones? I cannot tell......
And anyone have experiences with taking antidepressants after birth/with breastfeeding ?
Pretty scared of ppd if I feel this way now!

klkonwi · May 2015

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HayesRN13 · May 2015

Did you ever have problems before pregnancy/have a history of dep?

klkonwi · May 2015

I did have it before pregnancy. The med I was on was pristiq and was a def no go for pregnancy especially 3rd trimester due to resp depression noted in newborns. That med worked amazing..... I stopped it for the 20 weeks of pregnancy until I just couldn't handle it anymore and asked for something.
Just know that there are some ppl that have to be on antidepressants and breastfeeding. Hoping to get some feedback from them on this forum.

taboullio84 · May 2015

I took Prozac during and after my last pregnancy . ( breastfeeding) it helped me . they had to adjust the amount twice.

laurendutch · May 2015

I suffered from PPD when I had my miscarriage. I went on Celexa (which I don't think is safe for breastfeeding). I weaned myself off of it last year really slowly. Sometimes I still struggle especially with my patience level.

You have been through a lot with this pregnancy and it's understandable to be suffering some sort of depression.

My friend took Zoloft when she was breastfeeding.

klkonwi · May 2015

Ok! That gives me some peace of mind that it can be done. Thank you ladies.

ngaines27 · May 2015

I was also on celexa when I got pregnant, but weaned off at my doctor's recommendation. There's no doubt I'll need something as soon as LO arrives; it's been a struggle. I'm also interested to see feedback from other moms as this is my 3rd child, but my 1st attempt at breastfeeding so in the past I've never had that to consider.

mariecoss · May 2015

I think it's the hormones I've been super depressed past few weeks I'm on Prozac 40mg it's been working great for me the whole time I've been on it and baby is healthy but idk I just been crying a lot lately and really down just wanna stay home it just happened too because I was so energized and outgoing till now randomly

klkonwi · May 2015

@mariecoss I was wondering if it wasn't a surge of hormones making things feel unbearable lately. We went out to dinner tonight with 2 other couples and instead of having fun I just sat there wanting to cry. Ahh! This whole pregnancy has not been fun.

virginiaunicorn11 · May 2015

klkonwi said:
@mariecoss I was wondering if it wasn't a surge of hormones making things feel unbearable lately. We went out to dinner tonight with 2 other couples and instead of having fun I just sat there wanting to cry. Ahh! This whole pregnancy has not been fun.

I'm so sorry, that is really hard. Depression runs in my family, and my mother always says, "Just remember: you do NOT have to feel this way."

It can take some time to get your medicine right, so hang in there. I wish I had better advice, but just want to say I'm sympathizing and really respect what you are putting yourself through to ensure a healthy baby. I hope your doctor can find a good alternative for you.

mccall35 · May 2015

I just wanted to say that you ladies are all amazing. I have not lived with depression or PPD, but I do think I struggled with a bit of the "baby blues" after DS was born. While that's so minuscule compared to living with the real deal, I can appreciate (a little) how draining it can be on not only your mental, but physical wellbeing. Take care of yourselves, although based on your proactiveness, it sounds like you all are!

Fwiw, I've heard that the hormone surges you get following birth (and during BFing-if it works out) can actually have anti-depression-like effects. So maybe you'll feel a bit better than you think!

(Obviously, I'm not intending to minimize or negate the benefit of good health care and other treatment options... I'm all for proper treatment of any mental health challenges!)

lilitaliangirl · May 2015

I'm so sorry you are feeling like this right now. I suffered from depression for the past several years and have been taking Rx with benefits. When I pregnant with DS doc weaned me off and all was good. This time around I was a mess all of first and into second trimester, but stayed med free (mainly because I was prescribed Percocet for severe migraines and didn't want to be taking too many pills). Anyhow, I spoke with my primary doc back in February and he just wrote a Rx for antidepressants for me to start in the hospital after baby is here because I'm high risk for PPD. He says I can breastfeed while taking them too. I will tell you I have a friend who was on antidepressants during her pregnancy and had a hard time finding the right meds/combination for PPD for about 6 months. But I think the fact you are recognizing there is a problem is beneficial. If you are struck with PPD, just try to remember not to shut people out, ask/accept help and no matter what you are a good mother.

KaLikeAWind · May 2015

I've struggled with depression off and on throughout my life, and was just on the point of going to talk to someone about the problems I was having in September and October when I found out I was pregnant. Seriously, the loss of my Fun hit me very hard. Between my grief and my excessive drinking to try and drown my grief I'm surprised I noticed I missed my period. A whole month of my life gone in a grief and alcohol blackout. I wasn't on any medications at that point, and figured that I wouldn't be able to be so I just let drop. Being pregnant when I never intended to have children did not help my mindset much. But I had committed to following this thru, so I just tried to deal. I did end up improving some around January, but it does remain one reason why I am hyper aware of my megrims - I know that being depressed before baby can make you more likely to have PPD after birth. Its good to know that there are medications that can help if I feel I need it, and that I've already noticed that there isn't an onus on those who feel sad or depressed to express themselves here. Truly the June moms have been a tremendous source of support for me so I'm grateful to you all for making me laugh and taking my mind down a different path than inward and downward.

I think we are all going to do fine, but I hope that those of us - including myself - who may need help along the way get it.

Thanks for starting this thread @klkonwi. I'm sure its going to be helpful to many ladies who read it, it was to me

btm013 · May 2015

klkonwi I feel like we would be good friends if I lived in Nebraska or if you lived in Pennsylvania. I completely understand what you are going through. I suffered from anxiety before getting pregnant - mainly stress induced. I was on 20mg of prozac and .25 of Klonopin as needed. I weened off the prozac a month before getting pregnant and stopped the klonopin abruptly. I wish I never did because going through the first few weeks was awful. I was extremely sick (hyperemesis) and between that and hormones I became depressed. It got to the point where my husband and doctor begged me to go on 10mg of Prozac. I reluctantly agreed and have been ok ever since. I will say though, these last few weeks have been a struggle. I wake up and I'm almost in tears. My voice shakes sometimes when I speak. I think it's the hormones surging again - not to mention the anxiety related to just giving birth. I am remaining on the 10mg indefinitely and the pediatrician said I can take it during breastfeeding. Good luck!! We will all get through this together

MaliKaela · May 2015

I got off celexa when I first found out I was pregnant. I did ok for about five months and then the depression came back with a vengeance. My doctor put me on 20 mg of prozac and it has helped a great deal! He has already mentioned increasing my dose after the birth to try and counter ppd. Honestly, there is no way I won't get ppd, so i'll probably go ahead and follow that advice. I need to do a little more research about this and breastfeeding though. I do have a number of friends who used antidepressants while both pregnant and breastfeeding so I know it can be done. I'm useless when i'm depressed so I think it really is a benefit vs. risk type situation.

KarasTwin · May 2015

I struggle with anxiety and have been on meds constantly since fall of 04 with the exception of about 6 months in college. I started off on a 10 mg dose of Paxil and had to take Prozac when it was temporarily recalled (hated it!) Eventually was upped to 20 mg of Paxil. At the end of 2012 I had a terrible boss and had to supplement with Xanax as needed until I left that job. Last June as I knew we were about to start TTC I talked to my primary care physician and weaned myself off the meds. Towards the end of August I lostva former classmate to suicide and an uncle to cancer and developed horrible diarrhea related to anxiety. I went to an urgent care and the doctor gave me some type of antihistamine that he said was safe during pregnancy and I could take as needed. I only took a few and in October we got the BFP. Usually I am fine, but I do have bouts of severe anxiety and what is probably depression though I've never been diagnosed. The winter is especially rough for me. DH is beyond terrified that I'm going to have ppd and has begged me to take meds for anxiety during pregnancy, but I just don't feel comfortable doing that. I know that there's a chance of ppd but I've also explained that some women get "baby blues" which I understand is not quite so extreme. I'm hopeful that I'll be ok but who knows what these hormones are going to do? I too plan to breast feed and would love to know what my options are if necessary. I think it's important to know we're not alone and that there is no shame in asking for help. @klkonwi great thread idea, I'm curious to see what STMs have to say about this.

klkonwi · May 2015

@KarasTwin Here's what I tell my patients and it's standard. Postpartum blues are normal for up to 2 weeks. After 2 weeks is considered ppd and you are to call your dr to prescribe you something.
It feels very nice to know we are all not alone in this.
Thank you all for sharing your experiences.

KarasTwin · May 2015

klkonwi said:
@KarasTwin Here's what I tell my patients and it's standard. Postpartum blues are normal for up to 2 weeks. After 2 weeks is considered ppd and you are to call your dr to prescribe you something.
It feels very nice to know we are all not alone in this.
Thank you all for sharing your experiences.

I knew you'd have an answer! I really do wish you worked at my hospital

esampson1983 · May 2015

I just want to let you all know how strong and amazing I think you all are. And I think it's so good to be proactive when it comes to PPD.

My mom struggled with depression when I was I high school and was even hospitalized a few times. Needless to say I do worry about PPD/ PPA. I have already voiced my concerns to DH and have told him that if I am in that state I won't be able to make good decisions for myself and may not realize how bad it is so it may be up to him to help me seek help if needed.

I know for me being outside and physical activity are good to keep spirits up. So I hope I can get back to even small walks as soon as possible!

GonePhishing · May 2015

I have struggled with depression for many years. I have been on Zoloft (successfully) for the last couple of years. My doctors are completely fine with me on the Zoloft before and after birth (intending to breastfeed). We have been working to wean me off of it completely over the past few months and next two weeks so Baby doesn't have withdrawal symptoms. My psychiatrist is going to come see me in the hospital and will get me back on the Zoloft within a couple of days of birth.

PPD is one of my biggest concerns, and I'm going to work very hard to be aware of my feelings and emotions. This has been something that has been in my thoughts for many years as I have desired to become a mommy.

Good luck to you all!!!

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virginiaunicorn11 · May 2015

GonePhishing said:
I have struggled with depression for many years. I have been on Zoloft (successfully) for the last couple of years. My doctors are completely fine with me on the Zoloft before and after birth (intending to breastfeed). We have been working to wean me off of it completely over the past few months and next two weeks so Baby doesn't have withdrawal symptoms. My psychiatrist is going to come see me in the hospital and will get me back on the Zoloft within a couple of days of birth.

PPD is one of my biggest concerns, and I'm going to work very hard to be aware of my feelings and emotions. This has been something that has been in my thoughts for many years as I have desired to become a mommy.

Good luck to you all!!!

Wow, you are kick ass!! You are really to be commended for taking such a proactive approach to your health. It can be so draining to deal with this, and you have done a great job prioritizing it and addressing it early and head on. How inspiring!

lovethatcolosun · May 2015

GonePhishing said:
I have struggled with depression for many years. I have been on Zoloft (successfully) for the last couple of years. My doctors are completely fine with me on the Zoloft before and after birth (intending to breastfeed). We have been working to wean me off of it completely over the past few months and next two weeks so Baby doesn't have withdrawal symptoms. My psychiatrist is going to come see me in the hospital and will get me back on the Zoloft within a couple of days of birth.

PPD is one of my biggest concerns, and I'm going to work very hard to be aware of my feelings and emotions. This has been something that has been in my thoughts for many years as I have desired to become a mommy.

Good luck to you all!!!

I suffered from PPD (and low milk supply) with my last pregnancy and will be encapsulating my placenta this time too. If it works great! If it doesn't I'm going to be proactive about it and talk to my doctor instead of just hoping it will pass. I know a lot of moms on here are not fans of eating/taking your placenta in capsules, but if you dispose of it it's gone forever, no do overs. Some of you with fears off PPD might consider encapsulating it as a back up plan. If it still doesn't sound like something that would help later on or doesn't work for you, at least you know you tried. :-??

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