i just found out i have post partumm depression

Christine - posted on 02/19/2009

awww thank u guys for so much support i really needed that and i will hang in there and be strong and i will try to get better thnx

Abbey - posted on 02/18/2009

My youngest is 12, my oldest is 20.  I passed the postpartum depression phase and am now entering the emptynest depression phase.  I don't mean to sound glib, depression in both can be debilitating.  I have been taking Lexapro for about 5 years now.  I tried going off on my own about three years ago, and had a VERY bad reaction.  I did see a counselor for a while, and worked with an MD to get my meds straightened out.  I had my dosage upped.  I very much agree with Gina that vitamin B shots can help.  Also get out every day.  Even if it is only a walk to the mailbox, or to the end of the driveway.  If you can get out for an evening, even better.  I remember when I had 4 little ones at home and a hubby who had to be gone alot of the time I truely thought I wouldn't make it through the day.  Walking around the block pushing a stroller helped, so did realizing that I wasn't alone.  Now the depression is because my oldest two have left the nest, and my help is that I get to travel to visit them.  Remember, you are definatly not alone.  And also remember that those of us waiting to become grandmas would love to come and babysit so you can get out, and we  can have our baby snuggles.  DON'T BE AFRAID TO ASK  I wish I had.

Malinda - posted on 02/18/2009

One thing I will suggest to you is that you work with a Psychiatrist or Neurologist (less common, but depends on where you live) to help determine the right meds for you and *not* a Family Practice or General Practice doctor. General practitioners tend to perscribe whatever is popular at the moment without really considering your brain chemestry and symptoms. There could very well be another drug or combination of drugs that works much better for you, and a specialist well-versed in psychotropics is much better equiped to help you find it.



I also agree with the recommendation that whatever you are taking you become well educated on it. WebMD is a good resource for this kind of information.



Good Luck - I sympathize with your situation and hope that you get the support and treatment you need to feel more energized and in tune with your new life!

Chiquita - posted on 02/18/2009

like everyone said talk to your doctor to change your meds. I was on zoloft to and I also have 4 boys, single parent. Zoloft maid me very tired and lazy. It did work but I could live without the lazyness. My house was upside down and I didn't get out much. I suffer from anxiety, depression, asthma, and panic attacts. I tryed other meds into I found the right one for me. I had some side affects with other meds like tired and lazy but now I am on Fluoxetine is the generic version and a lot cheaper for Prozac.



here is the side effects on zoloft-Nausea, dizziness, dry mouth, loss of appetite, increased sweating, drowsiness, diarrhea, upset stomach, or trouble sleeping may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.



Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.



Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: unusual or severe mental/mood changes (e.g., agitation, nervousness, suicidal thoughts), decrease in sexual ability (ejaculation delay), decreased interest in sex, uncontrollable shaking (tremor), unusual weight loss.



Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: easy bruising/bleeding, persistent nausea/vomiting, severe stomach/abdominal pain, black stools, seizures, change in the amount of urine, dark urine, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, yellowing eyes/skin.



This medication may rarely cause a very serious condition called serotonin syndrome. The risk increases when this medication is used with certain other drugs such as "triptans" used to treat migraine headaches (e.g., sumatriptan, eletriptan), certain antidepressants including other SSRIs (e.g., citalopram, paroxetine) and SNRIs (e.g., duloxetine, venlafaxine), lithium, tramadol, tryptophan, or a certain drug to treat obesity (sibutramine). Before taking this drug, tell your doctor if you take any of these medications. Serotonin syndrome may be more likely when you start or increase the dose of any of these medications. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop some of the following symptoms: hallucinations, unusual restlessness, loss of coordination, fast heartbeat, severe dizziness, unexplained fever, severe nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, twitchy muscles.



For males, in the very unlikely event you have a painful or prolonged erection lasting 4 or more hours, stop using this drug and seek immediate medical attention, or permanent problems could occur.



A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.



This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.



for other imfo. on meds log here at http://www.webmd.com/default.htm It help me out alot...

Christine - posted on 02/18/2009

well i have just started them and i am going to give it a bit before i dicide to change things but thank you everyone that really helped

Samantha - posted on 02/17/2009

I too have ppd you should really talk to your doc if the meds arent working, untreated ppd can get very serious. I took lexapro (i was having a lot of anxiety attacks too and this med helps that too) and it worked, maybe you should try something different. I know its hard and i wish you the best, hang in there and TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR!!

Gina - posted on 02/17/2009

I had PPD with my daughter and I know how hard it is! Please know that you are not alone! Zoloft made my mind race. I have heard other people tell me they have had your side effects too. Maybe try Lexapro, it works well for PPD. It made me feel mellow and happy, pushed all the depression aside until I could come out of it. It took a year. Talk to your Dr. and tell him/her it isn't working! Once you find one that works you may have to adjust the dose. If it is the right med for you will know within a week or two. The full effect usually takes a little longer, maybe a month. I really like B vitamins for energy too. Also get some Omega-3. Let us know how you are doing!!

Tamara - posted on 02/17/2009

Do you have friends or family to help or more from partner so you can take some time for yourself? Support is necessary and I would suggest a support group.

Bec - posted on 02/17/2009

Quoting Christine:

i just found out i have post partumm depression

i just found out i am depressed and i am now on pills called zoloft and i dont like them im extremly tired and very moody and dont feel like doing n e thing and i have 3 kids to care for so its really tough to get the energy i used to have to stay motivated any suggestions on wut can help to keep u going i dont want to be like this?????????????? please i really need help with it

HI Christine.

Like some of the other ladies, i have been on zoloft too. If u have only just been put on it, give it a little chance to really begin working - i found it took about a month for me. If after that its not doing anything, go back to your doctor and ask for someting different.

I didnt really know what to expect being on them - i think i thought i would be "happy", but i just kinda felt like everything became really monotone - i had no extreme highs and no extreme lows. it was just enough for me to be able to get my head above water again if u know what i mean.

its tough when u have kids cause i felt a little disconnected at times - just from pure exhaustion, but it does begin to slowly change. Dont put expectations on yourself  that are beyond what you can do. If all you can manage to do for the day is make sure the kids are fed and their bums done - then make that ur goal and dont feel guilty. The next day, add dinner, the next, something with the kids etc. Just take it one day at a time and do what you can manage. Do you have a supprtive partner?

Anyway, you can see that others have been there too - you are not alone!! You will get past this! Come back here for a chat if u need other mums to lend an ear!

Angela - posted on 02/17/2009

Three kids can make any one tired..but have you had your thyroid checked? I found out mine was not working and was put on med.. If your thyroid is not working well you can feel very run down and tired.. I know cause I had this problem. When you already feel like crap being tired and trying to run a house hold with three kids...I sure its very easy to become depressed which I Have also dealt with before.. If you have not been on zoloft long you may need to give it a little longer to work.. but you may need to try something else..or change dosage. I personal took paxil which gave me lost of energy.. but at the time that was not the problem so i tried a lot of meds till I found the one that worked for me which was Rememron. You can also try things at home make sure you are getting enough sunshine..the sun helps you not be depressed..try to take vitimian B it helps with energy. Make sure you are getting around 8 hrs asleep at night, have your thyroid checked, just think about the good things in life.. like your three beautiful great kids...and do everything for them. Your still gonna have days that you are tired.. we all do..but your kids need a mommy that can play with them and take care of them and no matter anything else they are all that matters.

Lindsay - posted on 02/17/2009

I've struggled with depression for 10 years. I was also on Zoloft and didn't like it. Talk to your doctor and see what the best option is for you. I was put on Lexapro (Celexa is the generic version and a lot cheaper) and that really helped me. I know what your going through and it's not easy. If you ever need someone to talk to I'm here to help.

Jessica - posted on 02/17/2009

First. How long have you been on the Zoloft? I have been on it in the past, for postpartum depression, and it takes a week or two to really kick in. That said. If you have been on it for some time and it's still not working, I would have to agree with Shana. You need to go back to the doctor and let them know that you feel it's not doing you any good. Know that you're in GOOD COMPANY!!!! Tons of women have at some point (and many are still) dealing with depression. You're not alone! Hang in there!!!!

Shana - posted on 02/17/2009

I was diagnosed with depression 3 yrs ago and I've been on lots of different meds. I would suggest you go back to the docs and ask for a different one. There's lots of them and I found some of them had really bad side effects. You could also look into a support group. Talking to someone who knows what you're going through can really help. Good luck and if you have any other questions I'm always here to help if I can.