https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Wed, 06 May 2026 21:08:05 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-have-ever-taken-an-antidepressant#post-1611266 Sun, 04 May 2014 02:15:03 +0000 googly-eyes 1611266@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@citymouse: Sorry it took SO long to get back to this.</p> <p>What did you take? Lexapro daily, also had lorazepam for occasional use for the anxiety<br /> Did you ever have to change your dosage? No, stayed at 10 mg<br /> How long have you taken it? I took it for about 6 months, maybe a little less.<br /> What do you take it for? Postpartum depression.<br /> Were you ever able to wean off of it? Actually, I know you're not supposed to, but I just stopped. I started missing pills when I was running out and then just stopped. I happened to have a lot of support (dh was on vacation from work) at that time and could have gone back on it the next week, but things went well and I stayed off of it. I did take the ativan/lorazepam once or twice more after that on a bad night but that was it.<br /> Did you also go to therapy? Yes, but not for long. My therapist said something to the effect of "when you're ready to be the real mom" (I was receiving a lot of help in the beginning because I honestly just could not function- eat, sleep, anything, let alone care for my newborn alone while dh worked.) and I think, even though I knew what she meant, I stopped taking her seriously. I don't know, I meant to go back, an appointment got cancelled, and I just stopped. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-have-ever-taken-an-antidepressant#post-1591966 Fri, 25 Apr 2014 08:27:50 +0000 Silva 1591966@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@citymouse: Its all about what you feel most comfortable with and what you think will work. I've never done strict CBT. If it sounds like an approach that would work for you, you can ask your current therapist about maybe incorporating some of the techniques (like worksheets/homework, etc). I'd be shocked if your current therapist hasn't had some CBT training. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-have-ever-taken-an-antidepressant#post-1591816 Fri, 25 Apr 2014 07:53:55 +0000 citymouse 1591816@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Silva: Yeah, because I really like my Psychologist right now, I would definitely feel bad about not working with her. But, I want to get better and have heard so much about CBT! Thanks for the article, I will check that out. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-have-ever-taken-an-antidepressant#post-1590528 Thu, 24 Apr 2014 18:40:15 +0000 Silva 1590528@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@citymouse: <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/judith-s-beck-phd/cognitive-therapy_b_1224375.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/judith-s-beck-phd/cognitive-therapy_b_1224375.html</a></p> <p>That is a helpful article. If you ask the person directly, "do you adhere to the standard CBT structure?" They should tell you.<br /> If your insurance will cover it, you could see both. Another option might be to ask for "brief, solution focused" CBT from that CBT therapist you found,. This means they really just focus on solving your immediate issue. Then when that is done you could continue with talk therapy, assuming you like that person.<br /> Do what feels best to you! The most important thing, if you want results, is to be as honest and direct as you can, even when it's uncomfortable! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-have-ever-taken-an-antidepressant#post-1590499 Thu, 24 Apr 2014 18:29:17 +0000 citymouse 1590499@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Silva: How do I know if the counselor does it correctly? If I asked, would they just tell me? Currently I am just doing talk therapy. She is super helpful and I like her very much but because I have heard so much about CBT I made an appt with one that I found on a site someone had posted on HB. Like a find a cbt site. We will do a consultation to see if we are a good fit. If we are, would you recommend leaving my current therapist? </p> <p>@Crisark: Thank you. Its hard to see it that way sometimes, but I do know that I made the right choice. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-have-ever-taken-an-antidepressant#post-1588807 Thu, 24 Apr 2014 11:02:37 +0000 Mrs. Bee 1588807@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@citymouse: i don't want to be dependent on them so i try not to stay on them long term. i have never had a problem with them not working after taking a hiatus! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-have-ever-taken-an-antidepressant#post-1588753 Thu, 24 Apr 2014 10:47:05 +0000 Crisark 1588753@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@citymouse: You should be really proud of yourself for seeking help. It can be scary but it's so good that you are feeling better. @MrsTiz: I hated Paxil with a passion. Like I was so aggressive I was fired from a job!!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-have-ever-taken-an-antidepressant#post-1588581 Thu, 24 Apr 2014 10:00:07 +0000 loveisstrange 1588581@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@citymouse: i had been on them about 6 months the second time, before i was off for years. The therapy was mix of talk and CBT, I think. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-have-ever-taken-an-antidepressant#post-1588471 Thu, 24 Apr 2014 09:37:22 +0000 Silva 1588471@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@citymouse: I work as a therapist, and I think you have two things to consider when looking for therapy that works for you. 1 is "evidence based therapy." In your case, research shows that CBT is the most effective intervention. True CBT is often hard to come by. Many therapists (myself included) use some of the techniques, but don't follow it to a tee. You could look for groups / treatment centers if you'd really like to follow CBT in its truest form. It can be dramatically helpful in changing your thinking patterns.<br /> The other is finding someone with whom you can develop a strong connection. For me, this is the most important part of therapy. Its also hard to find because you might have to try a few people, and also see people a few times before you get a good sense. When I finally found someone that I worked well with I was upfront with her in our initial session that I really need someone who challenges me and pushes me, who calls me on my contradictions, and makes me explore things more deeply. I do a lot of self analysis, so a therapist has to really be "working" with me rather than just active listening. By starting our session in that way (and having been referred to her by a former supervisor of mine who knew me well), she and I had a very successful relationship. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-have-ever-taken-an-antidepressant#post-1588378 Thu, 24 Apr 2014 09:20:53 +0000 citymouse 1588378@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@loveisstrange: Thank you so much for responding!! How long did you take them before being off for 5 years? What kind of therapy did you do? Talk therapy, or something more specific like CBT? If you don't mind sharing! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-have-ever-taken-an-antidepressant#post-1587977 Thu, 24 Apr 2014 07:13:03 +0000 loveisstrange 1587977@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What did you take? Prozac, 2 different times. And something else I can't remember. I feel like it was Lexapro.<br /> Did you ever have to change your dosage? Yes, they had to up it in the beginning when they were trying to get the dosage right.<br /> How long have you taken it? I took it for a year the first time and 6 months the second.<br /> What do you take it for? I have a mild form of bipolar and general anxiety.<br /> Were you ever able to wean off of it? Yes. I've been off anti-depressants for 5 years now. Probably should have gone back on PP for PPD.<br /> Did you also go to therapy? Yes. I did counseling for over a year when I was 17. They taught me to recognize the symptoms and coping strategies to deal with them from a behavioral standpoint. I absolutely think it helped. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-have-ever-taken-an-antidepressant#post-1587933 Thu, 24 Apr 2014 06:31:51 +0000 citymouse 1587933@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LindsayInNY: thank you for sharing!! I definitely will use them until my Dr thinks I dont need to anymore. That scares me a bit, but Id rather feel normal and need a little help to feel that way! </p> <p>@Mamasig: im glad you were able to push through!! I think we may be one and done bc of everything. </p> <p>@Mrs. Bee: thank you for sharing! Are you ever worried that they wont work if its off and on for many years? </p> <p>@googly-eyes: Man, I wish it was a straight shot upward. Youre so right--its not. </p> <p>@MrsTiz: thank you for sharing!! The zoloft was working, and then after my period came, it wasnt. Im hoping the dose increase will help since it was working before!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-have-ever-taken-an-antidepressant#post-1587285 Wed, 23 Apr 2014 18:57:49 +0000 MrsTiz 1587285@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Crisark: Paxil made me mean too. I was a WRECK on Paxil. Probably didn't help that I was around 12 years old and taking a medicine specifically for adults lol </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-have-ever-taken-an-antidepressant#post-1587279 Wed, 23 Apr 2014 18:55:37 +0000 MrsTiz 1587279@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm on my phone so I can't copy/paste but I've taken about half of the antidepressants on the market!</p> <p>Zoloft, Paxil,, Wellbutrion, Lexapro just to name a few. Dosage has almost always been adjusted, which is to be expected, they wot always work the first try or first drug. </p> <p>I've been on/off for 10 years now so plenty of weening off. I did therapy for about 2 years combined over 2 therapists to help with extreme depression, post partum depression and an eating disorder. Most of my weening was my own doing because I used to have this mentality that I didn't want to have to take pills everyday and would just quit cold turkey (don't reccomend!) but it's completely normal to not have something work for you, when upping dosage my only advice was to ask someone close to you to keep their eye on you. It's easy to get to zombie-level where you don't feel the lows anymore but you also don't feel the highs. That was the reason for my switching to different meds, I would get numb to something or get too used to my dose and need to reup it. </p> <p>If I remember I will post more tomorrow on the computer. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-have-ever-taken-an-antidepressant#post-1587211 Wed, 23 Apr 2014 18:32:26 +0000 googly-eyes 1587211@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@citymouse: just responding so I can come back to this and answer with more detail! Fwiw I think it's still normal to have ups and downs. Your timeline sounds like mine and I was in the thick if it still at 11w pp. Recovery is not necessarily linear! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-have-ever-taken-an-antidepressant#post-1587073 Wed, 23 Apr 2014 17:25:05 +0000 Mrs. Bee 1587073@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What did you take? Wellbutrin a long time ago, Lexapro before kids, and now Lexapro again.</p> <p>Did you ever have to change your dosage? No currently on 10 mg.</p> <p>How long have you taken it? This is my second month on it, but previously I took it for about a year.</p> <p>What do you take it for? Anxiety and depression</p> <p>Were you ever able to wean off of it? I was able to wean off of it easily by replacing vigorous exercise in its place. Antidepressants help me get to a good place when I can't get to it of my own will/power.</p> <p>Did you also go to therapy? I've seen 4 different therapists in my life, including a cognitive behavioral therapist. I never found one that really got me, but the cbt therapist was the best. Antidepressants take a while to kick in (month) and the symptoms can be really bad that first month, but then you do start to feel better. You don't feel the super highs anymore, but you also don't feel the super lows. You become very even-keeled.</p> <p>Maybe I'd try therapy again but since this is something I've struggled with my whole life, I've become better at managing it and only go on antidepressants when I really need it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-have-ever-taken-an-antidepressant#post-1587072 Wed, 23 Apr 2014 17:25:04 +0000 Mamasig 1587072@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@citymouse: I had been on it for several years and I was feeling good. I just thought I would give it a try and see how it went. If I still needed it, I would go back to it. It just so happened to work. </p> <p>After the birth of my son, I definitely felt crazy, anxious, etc for a couple of months from hormones and sleep deprivation. I thought about going back to the meds. But once DS started sleeping more at night, it made a world of difference. </p> <p>I'm due with LO#2 in about a month. I hope to feel ok afterwards. But if not, I know meds will help and I won't feel bad taking them. A healthy and happy mama is what my sons need, even if that means taking meds. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-have-ever-taken-an-antidepressant#post-1587029 Wed, 23 Apr 2014 17:10:25 +0000 LindsayInNY 1587029@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This is my general experience, not PPD-related...</p> <p>What did you take? Lexapro (My sister is on Zoloft, mom on Wellbutrin - they've both been on them for years!)<br /> Did you ever have to change your dosage? I can't recall... I think I went from 10mg to 20mg, at the most.<br /> How long have you taken it? I took it for two periods of time back in college and again in law school.<br /> What do you take it for? Depression/slight ED-related issues<br /> Were you ever able to wean off of it? Yes. First time I weaned off with my doctor's help. Second time I weaned myself off after I took the bar and we moved.<br /> Did you also go to therapy? I went to therapy the whole first time I was on it. I went to therapy for part of the second time. I've also gone to therapy since then without medication.</p> <p>I'm a HUGE proponent of both therapy and/or medication. I worked in a pharmacy for 5 years and you'd be surprised at how many people take something for depression or anxiety related issues. I think they both exist in the world for a reason so why not use them, if you need to?! &lt;3 </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-have-ever-taken-an-antidepressant#post-1587015 Wed, 23 Apr 2014 16:55:28 +0000 LovelyPlum 1587015@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@IRunForFun: hear, hear, lady! I know that I could use that reminder quite a bit myself! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-have-ever-taken-an-antidepressant#post-1586968 Wed, 23 Apr 2014 16:26:39 +0000 IRunForFun 1586968@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@citymouse: It's hard to say. I've struggled with anxiety since I was young, so I think a large part of it is brain chemistry, but I am better able to handle it when there is not a lot of turmoil in my life. The longest stretches that I was off of the medication were usually when I was single, living alone, etc. It was when I moved in with an SO, moved in general, started planning a wedding, etc, that I felt I needed to go back on it. So...yes and no, in answer to your question. At this point, I feel like I benefit most from being on it continuously. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-have-ever-taken-an-antidepressant#post-1586923 Wed, 23 Apr 2014 16:05:20 +0000 citymouse 1586923@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Silva: That is so encouraging to me. Thank you for sharing!! </p> <p>@Katrocap: Yeah, I just feel like I made no progress! Everything is black and white. When Im good- Im great! When Im bad- the world is over, I can't see past it. Thank you so much for sharing!</p> <p>@Cherrybee: Thank you for your reply!! Do you feel like you are equipped to deal with life now without meds? The fact that you had PPD and didn't need to go back on meds is super encouraging for me!! Do you mind me asking how long you have been off?</p> <p>@redsmarties: Yeah, I feel like that is what I have been reading and that makes me so sad. Like, should I have ever started taking meds, if I am never going to go back to feeling normal like before? Totally understand about Therapy being expensive...it SO is! Thank you so much for sharing!! </p> <p>@IRunForFun: :heart: It certainly does help to know Im not alone! Thank you for sharing!! Do you mind me asking...did you need to go back on because of life circumstances triggering things? </p> <p>@Mamasig: Thats very encouraging to me, thank you for sharing!! How did you know when it was time to start weaning off?</p> <p>@LovelyPlum: :heart: :heart: I think its sleep and hormones for me. Goodness, my cycle really knocked me on my butt! </p> <p>@Crisark: Thank you so much for sharing!! I ended up in the ER as well, which is when I was diagnosed with PPD and PPA. Such a scary place to be. </p> <p>@MrsADS: So, the 100mg has been working well? Or, are you off now? I totally understand the not able to function thing. Thank you so much for sharing!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-have-ever-taken-an-antidepressant#post-1586819 Wed, 23 Apr 2014 15:25:31 +0000 MrsADS 1586819@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What did you take? Zoloft - at age 21; sub-therapeutic dose of Celexa (10mg) now (age 28) - not for depression but for autonomic dysfunction (a blood pressure issue)</p> <p>Did you ever have to change your dosage? On Zoloft: yes, went from 50 to 100mg because it was not working for me.<br /> How long have you taken it? About a year<br /> What do you take it for? Depression - I was crying all the time, couldn't function, just a mess. (Celexa I am taking now is "off label" to control my low blood pressure)</p> <p>Were you ever able to wean off of it? Yes,, I did after about 2 years. I have to say, the meds made a BIG difference. Sort of like - I was still depressed and sad, but I was able to function. Every little thing didn't set me off into a crying jag. It was like it took the edge off and made things not seem quite so hopeless.</p> <p>Did you also go to therapy?<br /> Yes, I did at the time. It did help some. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-have-ever-taken-an-antidepressant#post-1586814 Wed, 23 Apr 2014 15:23:40 +0000 IRunForFun 1586814@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@citymouse: I hope this thread helps you see that, if nothing else, you're not alone in this battle! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-have-ever-taken-an-antidepressant#post-1586803 Wed, 23 Apr 2014 15:21:03 +0000 Crisark 1586803@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What did you take? Celexa, Cymbalta, Paxil, Lexapro and Zoloft<br /> Did you ever have to change your dosage? Yep, lots of times. The Paxil made me really mean as did the Celexa. The Cymbalta made me gain weight, the Lexapro was great until it stopped working and wasn't approved while pregnant anyway. And now I'm on Zoloft. I've change my dose three times.<br /> How long have you taken it? almost 2 years for the Zoloft now.<br /> What do you take it for? Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Major Depression<br /> Were you ever able to wean off of it? I came off the Lexapro while TTC and after about 6 months off I had an episode of full on depression resulting in a trip to the ER.<br /> Did you also go to therapy? No, I have not gone to therapy. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-have-ever-taken-an-antidepressant#post-1586796 Wed, 23 Apr 2014 15:17:52 +0000 LovelyPlum 1586796@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>You, my dear, are NOT a failure. Hormonal changes are my biggest trigger. You are doing all the right things. Hang in there, lady. Big hugs :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-have-ever-taken-an-antidepressant#post-1586783 Wed, 23 Apr 2014 15:12:00 +0000 Mamasig 1586783@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What did you take? Lexapro<br /> Did you ever have to change your dosage? No, I was on the lowest dosage - don't remember what it was.<br /> How long have you taken it? I took it for about 6-7 years<br /> What do you take it for? Anxiety, and anxiety related depression<br /> Were you ever able to wean off of it? Yes, I slowly divided the dosage by two until there was hardly anything left to take.<br /> Did you also go to therapy? Yes, but only for about 6 months. I think it helped some, but for me I think it is mostly chemistry driven. I still have times when I am sad and depressed for no reason. It doesn't last as long, but it's still there. Not one specific thing triggered it. I think it's just how my body and mind are made up. After I stopped taking the medicine I was worried I would get very depressed, but I didn't. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-have-ever-taken-an-antidepressant#post-1586779 Wed, 23 Apr 2014 15:09:40 +0000 IRunForFun 1586779@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What did you take? Paxil and then Lexapro and then back to Paxil.</p> <p>Did you ever have to change your dosage? I never had to change the dosage and I take the lowest possible therapeutic dose. To be fair, I think I could benefit from upping the dosage, but choose not to.</p> <p>How long have you taken it? I took Paxil the first time for 2.5 years, then switched to Lexapro for a few months, then weaned off of it. I was off of it for about two years, then went back on Paxil for about 4.5 years. I weaned off and was off of it again for about 8 months. I've now been back on Paxil for about 1.5 years. It's been more than 10 years off-and-on total.</p> <p>Did you also go to therapy? Yes, I've done several different types of therapy, but mainly cognitive behavioral therapy. I think drugs should always been combined with therapy, at least at first, until you better learn your triggers and coping mechanisms. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-have-ever-taken-an-antidepressant#post-1586774 Wed, 23 Apr 2014 15:08:01 +0000 Mrs. Oatmeal 1586774@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Sorry about your experience- but it's quite common with antidepressants!<br /> I've taken : Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, Cymbalta, Ativan and something else.<br /> I often had to increase dosages as I got accustomed to them, and change medications due to side effects.<br /> I've been on antidepressants and anti anxiety meds for about 10 years.<br /> I take it for depression and social anxiety disorder, combined with PPA/PPD<br /> I didn't wean off totally, but dropped my dose significantly while pregnant. Even now while breastfeeding I am on a lower dose than before, and am using naturopathic remedies as well.<br /> I've gone to therapy several times, and find it helps when I go...but it's expensive so I only go when I'm doing really poorly. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-have-ever-taken-an-antidepressant#post-1586773 Wed, 23 Apr 2014 15:07:37 +0000 Cherrybee 1586773@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Back when I was about 20, I was very depressed and was put on Fluoxetine. I felt really wired on it - like totally out of control - and stopped taking it after a few weeks. Of course, I was still depressed! My doctor then put me on a drug called Lofepramine and it worked really well. I came off it at 21 but had a relapse at 25 and had to go back onto it again. I came off it maybe a year later and haven't needed it since. I also had PPD after my daughter was born but had counselling instead. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-have-ever-taken-an-antidepressant#post-1586765 Wed, 23 Apr 2014 15:02:55 +0000 LBee 1586765@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm going to wall you my answers since not gold! </p>