Hellobee Boards

*raises hand*
Went on them at 7 mo PP with my first, who is five next week. I was so anxious and overwhelmed emotionally and it really helped me get things leveled out. I weaned off about a year and a half later when we were TTC#2. After about 5 months off I hit a really rough patch at work and the anxiety ramped back up to unmanagable levels. So I've been on them nonstop since then (2.5 years now) including all the way through my second pregnancy.

For me, it helps keep the constant anxiety at bay enough for me to live my day-to-day life. I'm not a good parent, partner, or employee when the anxiety is controlling me. I'm comfortable with the low dose I am on (25 mg Z0l0ft) even through my pregnancy and while BF my now almost 15 month old. In general taking care of my mental health is a huge priority to me, I make time to work out, try and eat well, and go to therapy to make sure I'm taking care of me so I can be the best for everyone else.

Best of luck to you, I hope you can find an way to deal with whatever mental health issues you are facing.

I took Celexa for anxiety for about two years before getting pregnant. I went off when I got pregnant, and managed my anxiety with therapy. About 6 weeks postpartum my anxiety was out of control again (up all night checking to make sure she was breathing, panic attacks) so I went on Zoloft and took it the whole 16 months I breastfed. For me it seems like a very low dose is enough to keep the anxiety at a low buzz than I can manage with the skills I learned in therapy. Taking an SSRI was one of the best decisions I've made (both times).

Me. I take Lexapro. Took it before, during, and now after pregnancy. It makes a HUGE difference in my anxiety. Like, takes me from a barely functioning person to someone who just deals with a relatively low level of anxiety that doesn't have TOO much affect on quality of life.

Yes, I drink while on them (in moderation.) No interactions with other OTC meds that I've come across.

I went on zoloft after suffering from post-partum depression. It has really helped me feel a lot better and less anxious. I've been taking it for the past 1.5 years. I could probably try to come off of it, but won't do so until the second LO is born. I have not noticed any reaction to other medications. I do drink, but not very often. I have not noticed a reaction.

@Bibliolove: Prior to pregnancy my general practitioner prescribed it. During and post pregnancy my midwife prescribed it.

@Bibliolove: I found a psychiatrist who specialized in postpartum. I think it's really helpful to be able to do the talking sessions in conjunction with the meds.

Me! I have taken Zoloft for the better part of my adult life. There have been times that I have weaned but found that (even with therapy) I really needed to go back on. The last time I weaned off was in preparation to TTC. But after I had two losses, my anxiety was horrible so I started taking it again and took it during my pregnancy with my son and am still on it. I cant imagine handling postpartum without it.
Like others have said, it doesn't put me in a cloudy state that takes away all my anxiety (we still have to have a stress response for real life situations) but it lowers it enough that I am more reflective and can use tools I have learned in therapy before I spin out of control.

Celexa since 30w pregnant.

My baby doc got me started, now family doc has refilled me (5.5m post partum). I did go on from 6-8m pp after my second. Was not enough time. I am staying on until at least 18m this time. Between it being my third and this medication, I am a different person and enjoying each day a heck of a lot more.

I am nursing, so don't drink often, but am not a big drinker anyways, but like a glass or two every so often. I have not been told to not take or watch any tylenol or Advil with it either. Again, not something I habitually take, just when absolutely needed.

I wish I was more accepting of needing help post partum with my first, plus had many other factors likely making things so much worse. In a better spot overall, plus accepting the balance Celexa gives me, still tough moments, but overall different person!!

@Bibliolove: my OB prescribed it 2 weeks postpartum and has continued to refill it for me for the last year. I drink while taking it and have never had an issues. I have probably only been "drunk" while taking it once or twice, and again no issues.

For people who went on it during the post partum period, how long did you stay on it. Like @LulaBee: I'm almost 19 months pp but just not right and I'm finally accepting I need something. But I'm nervous about not having an exit, if that makes sense. Also how was the initial starting phase? Like did things get worse before they got better?

@Foodnerd81: @LulaBee: I'm also 19 months pp and just started Zoloft a few weeks ago for anxiety. I was on it for a short time while i was getting my doctorate due to anxiety and it was very easy for me to stop it after I graduated and took my boards. I was able to handle my anxiety since then and I felt so great during my pregnancy and while nursing. I was caught off guard because as soon as i weaned, my anxiety got out of control. I gave it a few weeks to see if it was just my hormones, but it kept getting worse. I made an appt with my midwife and started taking 25 mg (lowest dose) the next day. I felt better very quickly - which may be placebo, but I don't care how it works. I'm going to stay on it for a bit and see how I do.

@peaches1038: thanks for sharing and also glad to hear you felt better right away.
@LulaBee: I have an appt with my pcp on Monday and plan to fill the prescription right away. It's been a bad week and I'm accepting that I need it ASAP.