https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sat, 02 May 2026 11:23:45 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/antidepressants/page/2#post-1941064 Wed, 12 Nov 2014 12:45:40 +0000 redeyedtreefr0g 1941064@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@simplyfelicity: Deleted, there. I can't win with you people. Rainbows and sunshine from now on. I apologize. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/antidepressants/page/2#post-1940202 Tue, 11 Nov 2014 21:23:55 +0000 Crisark 1940202@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've taken quite a few over the past 7yrs. I've taken Paxil and it made me so mean. I mean so so aggressive and nasty that I was fired from a job, was switched to Cymbalta and I gained a ton of weight, switched to Celexa and had the same reaction as the Paxil plus weight gain. Then Lexapro which I loved! But it slowly stopped working. So, now and for quite some time I've been on Zoloft and it's done wonders for my Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Major Depression. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/antidepressants/page/2#post-1940145 Tue, 11 Nov 2014 20:35:24 +0000 mrs. bird 1940145@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@JMOM: you have so much on your plate! I can't even imagine how much stress you're feeling! If you're not able to find a sitter, there are some therapists that do video sessions over the web. I haven't done it, but it could be an option if you feel like you would benefit from talking to someone before you're able to find childcare. Big hugs to you &lt;3 things will get better! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/antidepressants/page/2#post-1940138 Tue, 11 Nov 2014 20:29:08 +0000 mrs. bird 1940138@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@IRunForFun: if we're strictly talking SSRIs, effexor isn't an SSRI, it's a SNRI. if we are talking SSRIs, no, paxil isn't the most commonly prescribed one, but with 14,335,000 prescriptions written for it in the US during 2013, still seems pretty widely prescribed, it was the 12th most commonly prescribed psych med (all psych meds, not just SSRIs) in the nation last year. you're correct, it did drop in the past years, from the 10th most common in 2005 to the 12th last year, dropped two spots in nine years. stats on psych med prescriptions here:<br /> <a href="http://psychcentral.com/lib/top-25-psychiatric-medication-prescriptions-for-2013/00019543" rel="nofollow">http://psychcentral.com/lib/top-25-psychiatric-medication-prescriptions-for-2013/00019543</a><br /> of the top 25 listed, i've had the misfortune of picking up 20 of those (in addition to many, many others that aren't top 25) for myself or for the other member of my household, mostly the other member since i've only taken a PRN med for the past 5 years. i've seen a lot of meds come and go. no med should ever be taken lightly, but as far as psych meds go, SSRIs, paxil included, are lightweights (but can still be life changing in how powerful they can be for those who find them helpful!) &amp; i have full confidence that OP is capable of working with her dr to pick something that would work best for her &amp; that would minimize any risks or concerns she may have. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/antidepressants#post-1940117 Tue, 11 Nov 2014 20:18:54 +0000 Hoots 1940117@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@yoursilverlining: @ballerinabee: I'm glad I'm not the only one who had a terrible experience with Effexor. When I went off it years ago, I feel like the side effects weren't as well documented. My doctor just wrote an Rx for smaller doses and pretty much called me crazy when I tried to explain what I was going through. I've never went back to that doctor. I've never met anyone who's gone through the same thing, so this feels a bit like vindication. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/antidepressants#post-1940095 Tue, 11 Nov 2014 20:07:17 +0000 simplyfelicity 1940095@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@JMOM: I am sorry to hear you are experiencing depression. I have been on zoloft for nearly 12 years for anxiety. I have tried Buspar and Celexa as well and found Zoloft to be the absolute best fit for me.<br /> I weaned myself off Zoloft in preparation to TTC but, after two miscarriages, I was dealing with terrible depression. I also see a therapist who recommended I go back on. I am currently pregnant again and my OB has given me to go ahead to stay on Zoloft throughout the duration of my pregnancy. Their thought is happy, healthy mom= happy, healthy baby.<br /> Suffice to say, do whatever feels right for you as what works for you may not for another. Your mental health is an absolute priority. I hope you don't feel any shame about going on meds if that's what you decide. Some people only need it for a few months to get over the "hump" of their depression or anxiety. Best wishes. :heart:</p> <p>Eta: I have never had a problem getting off Zoloft. I just wean really slowly. I don't forsee myself being on Zoloft indefinitely, it's just what I need at this time. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/antidepressants#post-1940086 Tue, 11 Nov 2014 19:57:38 +0000 simplyfelicity 1940086@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@redeyedtreefr0g: I do not understand the connection you have made between anti-depressants and drug abuse. All kinds of medications are subject to abuse. It's a pretty insensitive and ignorant correlation to make. My mother has taken a variety of drugs to stay on top of her bipolar disorder, this is the absolute opposite of reckless. I have been on Zoloft my entire adult life and have no qualms about it and have never abused it.<br /> I understand your desire to never be on any mood altering medications and that's fine, but please do not insinuate that people who take them abuse them. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/antidepressants#post-1940071 Tue, 11 Nov 2014 19:46:52 +0000 Sweet T 1940071@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@redeyedtreefr0g: I should probably ignore your post like everyone else seems to have done, but I can't. Your post is really not necessary and inconsiderate of the OP's feelings. She is obviously having some concerns and feels like she needs some help. Coming in and saying "I haven't ever used anti-depressants, nor will I ever." is not supportive or helpful and neither is sharing horror stories. </p> <p>@JMOM: I initially started Prozac at a lower dosage. The symptoms didn't start until I had my dosage increased. It certainly can't hurt to talk to a therapist first. Either way, please don't feel ashamed or embarrassed that you may need some help. I felt that way for a long time and didn't get help. My biggest regret is not seeking help sooner. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/antidepressants#post-1940039 Tue, 11 Nov 2014 18:56:48 +0000 JMOM 1940039@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@blackbird: Thanks so much. You guys have really helped me so much today. It's so nice to talk to people who know exactly what I'm talking about. I know some people in our new town, but not well enough to drop the whole "should I take anti-depressants" discussion on them. :silly: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/antidepressants#post-1940038 Tue, 11 Nov 2014 18:54:10 +0000 JMOM 1940038@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@bluestriped bee: I'm sorry to hear you have IF. It does really suck. We tried for 7 years before my DD was born. It was such a confusing, frustrating, depressing time for me. Even though we have 2 kids now, IF will always be there - it really does affect how you look at things. I think one of the things I struggle with is that we waited so long for these kids, how come I'm not thankful for them all the time? How can they drive me so crazy? I remember being in the middle of IF and it was all I thought about. I just wanted to encourage you that one day you will look back on IF and (hopefully) it will be a distant memory. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/antidepressants#post-1940029 Tue, 11 Nov 2014 18:47:50 +0000 blackbird 1940029@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@JMOM: if your dr is recommending it, I certainly don't think it would hurt anything and may be just the thing! Good luck </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/antidepressants#post-1940025 Tue, 11 Nov 2014 18:41:31 +0000 BSB 1940025@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@JMOM: Oh, you have IF and went thought IVF. Welcome to the club. :( I just had my ER two weeks ago and will have my FET in January. So sorry about adding IF to this, too. I know I sound positive now (you know how it's an emotional rollercoaster.) but IF has definitely made me struggle emotionally and some days I'm so bitter at the world... it sucks. Hugs. I'm so sorry about you having to be on this IF journey, too. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/antidepressants#post-1940023 Tue, 11 Nov 2014 18:37:48 +0000 BSB 1940023@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@JMOM: Yeah, you should think about it. Anti-depressants aren't that bad. When you are in need, they can help. You don't have to be dependent upon them if you don't want to. Therapist and psychiatrist tell you that it's not a magic drug, though. You don't take it and automatically feel 100% better. (You might feel 50% better.) You do also have to work with the meds. </p> <p>I would recommend finding a therapist that you like. I've gone through a few of them. Some of different strategies and some you might not like, period. It's like finding a friend. You have to search to find the right one. </p> <p>As for psychiatrist, I would lean towards a therapist. I know the can't prescibe meds but psychiatrist that my DH sees has a long wait list. Like weeks or a month wait. I was able to see my therapist once a week. For my anxiety and self esteem issues talk therapy worked for me. It's when I was alone where the anxiety and self esteem &amp; self worth took over my thoughts and snowballed into depression. Talking to a professional helped tease apart and break down why I was having those depressive thoughts. </p> <p> I think admitting you have an issue is great. I think you are taking the right steps for your well being. </p> <p>I do think seeing a therapist or psychiatrist would be a good next step. Find someone you like and feel comfortable sharing your thoughts. They should be able to give you a plan and maybe suggest meds if they think it will help. </p> <p>Feel free to message me if you need anything. :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/antidepressants#post-1939979 Tue, 11 Nov 2014 17:54:16 +0000 JMOM 1939979@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@IRunForFun: @blackbird: Thanks for your suggestions. I saw a therapist for 1 1/2 years during my whole IF period. At the time, I didn't think it helped but when I went through my last IVF I was much calmer, so I chalk that up to therapy. I sent an email to my primary Dr. (back home) to get her take on it. I've been going to her since 96 and I really respect her opinion. She thinks that it would be helpful to go on Lexapro to get over this hump. I'm truthfully scared to take this step, but I also don't want to keep feeling this way. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/antidepressants#post-1939903 Tue, 11 Nov 2014 16:56:02 +0000 blackbird 1939903@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@JMOM: I just want to say that I second the therapist suggestion as a "first step". Seeing one greatly reduces my anxiety and gives me what I call a professional sounding board for all the crazy stuff going on in my life and she gives me techniques to help deal with it. It definitely grounds me. And she should be able to pick up on if you need a referral to a psychologist for meds :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/antidepressants#post-1939854 Tue, 11 Nov 2014 16:22:57 +0000 IRunForFun 1939854@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@JMOM: Definitely! Maybe you could post to care.com or something? I feel like if you were able to talk to a therapist about what is going on you'd get a better feel for whether the depression is situational or clinical and then you'd have a more clear answer on whether or not meds would be a good solution. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/antidepressants#post-1939831 Tue, 11 Nov 2014 16:05:31 +0000 JMOM 1939831@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@IRunForFun: That's a good suggestion, but I don't have a babysitter and DH works a lot. I've got to get on the babysitter thing!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/antidepressants#post-1939829 Tue, 11 Nov 2014 16:02:24 +0000 babycanuck 1939829@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm on a low dose of cipralex. My request to my doctor was to be on something that wouldn't make me feel numb, and it does a great job. I take it at night to help me sleep, too, but some people prefer to take it in the mornings because it will keep them up at night. GP also said it would be fine to take while pregnant. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/antidepressants#post-1939823 Tue, 11 Nov 2014 16:00:33 +0000 IRunForFun 1939823@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@JMOM: Maybe pursuing talk therapy would be a good first step? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/antidepressants#post-1939791 Tue, 11 Nov 2014 15:35:28 +0000 JMOM 1939791@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This has been really interesting reading everyone's responses. I just don't know if I should do this or not. A couple weeks ago, I asked my ob/gyn about getting a prescription when I was there about something else, but she said i would need to talk to a primary care Dr. We just moved here a couple months ago so I don't have one yet. I keep put off making an appointment. I keep thinking that I should be able to manage without it. I've had 2 big surgeries, moved cross country, had my FIL move in with us, DD started school - all within 6 months. No wonder I'm depressed. :wink: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/antidepressants#post-1939723 Tue, 11 Nov 2014 15:07:49 +0000 Mrs. Bee 1939723@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Effexor is quite powerful. Much more so than ssris like Prozac, lexapro, Zoloft, Paxil. I take lexapro and it has been great. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/antidepressants#post-1939691 Tue, 11 Nov 2014 14:51:32 +0000 yoursilverlining 1939691@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ballerinabee: "Effexor (terrible withdrawal if I missed a dose and even if I just took it a few hours later than usual)"</p> <p>YES. I forgot to mention this in my post about how horrible the withdrawal was from Effexor. If I missed a dose I would been so sick to my stomach and shaking. And that was on a very low dose; I can't imagine what it would be like on a high(er) dose. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/antidepressants#post-1939593 Tue, 11 Nov 2014 14:14:12 +0000 ballerinabee 1939593@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I take Lexapro &amp; Wellbutrin and don't have issues with side effects, and definitely find them helpful. If I forget my lexapro for a couple of days, I get withdrawal symptoms, but nothing like I had with Effexor. I hated that stuff! Lexapro targets depression, anxiety and anger. Wellbutrin helps give me the push to get up off the couch / energy level.</p> <p>Keep in mind that how well anti-depressants work and side effects are very specific to each person. What works for one person may not for another. Some people have awful side effects and others don't. It may take trial and error to find what works best for you. </p> <p>I have tried Prozac (horrible nightmares), Zoloft (worked well at first, but I plateaued, and I had horrible motion sickness as we adjusted dosage), Effexor (terrible withdrawal if I missed a dose and even if I just took it a few hours later than usual). </p> <p>With regards to suicidal ideation / attempts - my understanding is that it is well-documented that anti-depressants may make someone who has suicidal ideation feel just better enough to have the energy to carry out their plans. It's not that the drugs themselves make you suicidal, but for people with severe depression or suicidal thoughts, the anti-depressants may give you just enough energy / clarity of mind to do it. While that may not be the case for everyone, it is a known risk and why it's important to combine medication with therapy. </p> <p>I'm certainly not a doctor, so take my (and anyone else you don't know's) advice with the caution that I can only speak from my personal experience and research. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/antidepressants#post-1939575 Tue, 11 Nov 2014 14:05:09 +0000 sorrycharlie 1939575@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was on Prozac for awhile early undergraduate years, no issues on or weaning off. I have found Lexapro to work better however. I went on in Jan, it was life changing. Weaned off in April to ttc and I just can't currently function well off it so ive been back on it since June or July. </p> <p>I would absolutely go back on it if I felt I needed to (if and when I wean off!). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/antidepressants#post-1939560 Tue, 11 Nov 2014 13:57:43 +0000 IRunForFun 1939560@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrs. bird: Actually recent studies show evidence that Paxil has among the highest incidence rates and severity of withdrawal syndrome of any drug in its class. The pharma company was charged by the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Associations for breaching its codes of practice by calling the withdrawal syndrome "mild and short-lived" and the FDA forced the company to acknowledge "severe discontinuation symptoms."</p> <p>I am talking strictly SSRIs here though, no other psych meds. Paxil and Effexor, according to my team of doctors, are pretty comparable in terms of withdrawal. My psychiatrist actually said Paxil is not widely prescribed anymore since there are so many SSRIs that are better tolerated. </p> <p>ETA: Also talking strictly withdrawal, not the effects of Paxil on overall long-term health. </p> <p>Anyway, my point to the OP was if she was looking at an SSRI that has less chance of negative withdrawal symptoms, there are better options than Paxil.</p> <p>Don't get me wrong, Paxil worked really well for my anxiety and panic disorder, but it's definitely not mild in terms of withdrawal and I wouldn't want to misinform anyone. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/antidepressants#post-1939525 Tue, 11 Nov 2014 13:46:02 +0000 mrs. bird 1939525@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@IRunForFun: I'm sorry you had a rough time coming off Paxil, it does have a pretty short half life so withdrawal symptoms can come on more suddenly than with other meds, but it really doesn't have a lot of serious or long lasting withdrawal issues. I'm on my phone so I'm not gonna look it up right now, but I think it's only 25-30% of ppl experience any negative withdrawal symptoms. Most of those are when someone doesn't taper down &amp; some unfortunate people who are more sensitive to the meds. I call it mild because it's unlikely to make you violently ill, destroy your liver, or leave you with permanent ticks like others can, it's easier to kill yourself with Tylenol. Not tying to dismiss your experience, I have had some awful withdrawals from other things &amp; was left lying on the floor with muscle spasms, vomiting &amp; shaking for days, I wouldn't wish that on anyone, but for the majority of ppl, Paxil is really not a heavy duty drug. The array of psych meds that have graced the medicine cabinet in my home might skew my ideas about what's mild or not, but to me, it's a lightweight. I totally agree with you on Effexor and would never consider taking it because of the withdrawals. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/antidepressants#post-1939515 Tue, 11 Nov 2014 13:42:58 +0000 macintosh 1939515@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@JMOM: I think it's worth a try if you're having trouble. I may have missed this, but are you going to counseling too? I definitely recommend that.</p> <p>I'm on Lexapro and I have been since after my husbands accident. It was a very traumatic time, as you can imagine. While I normally would've been resistant to trying meds, I gave in easily. </p> <p>I had some side effects getting on the drug, like constant yawning and feeling emotionally numb, but things evened out pretty fast. I dropped my dose down from 20 mg to 10 mg a few months ago. My only side effect then was I was a little extra emotional for a few days.</p> <p>Your doctor should he able to help you manage side effects or switch meds if one doesn't work we'll for you. Hope you feel better soon. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/antidepressants#post-1939424 Tue, 11 Nov 2014 13:11:01 +0000 redeyedtreefr0g 1939424@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <br /><p><i>This comment has been deleted by the original poster.</i></p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/antidepressants#post-1939360 Tue, 11 Nov 2014 12:50:42 +0000 IRunForFun 1939360@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrs. bird: Paxil is actually one of the worst in terms of withdrawals - Paxil and Effexor. Having withdrawn from Paxil two times and spoken to numerous doctors and other people who have been through withdrawal, I can say Paxil is NOT mild. </p> <p>@JMOM: I'd suggest talking to a psychiatrist. If you could talk through what you're experiencing and what your concerns with medications are, a good psychiatrist could point you in the right direction for medication/dosage/adjustment schedule. Sometimes it can take a little experimenting to find the right drug, and you just have compare the risks/benefits and decide if it's worth it for you. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/antidepressants#post-1939349 Tue, 11 Nov 2014 12:46:20 +0000 Mrs.KMM 1939349@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have taken Lexapro in the the past and had zero side-effects or issues coming off of it. All of my immediate family and many of my extended family members have been on anti-depressants and/or anti-anxiety meds (clearly, it runs in the family) and no one has had any issues with them.</p> <p>I would get back on Lexapro again in a heartbeat if I needed it. It was very helpful to me during a rough point in my life. </p>