Back onto meds?
Printed From: OHbaby!
Category: Support
Forum Name: Living with Post Natal Depression
Forum Description: Around one in ten NZ mothers will be diagnosed with PND in the first year of their babies life. Find support and encouragement and share ideas for coping here.
URL: https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9660
Printed Date: 30 December 2024 at 2:33pm Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.05 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Back onto meds?
Posted By: catcat
Subject: Back onto meds?
Date Posted: 04 August 2007 at 7:32pm
Hi, I'm new to this site - it's great that there's a topic for pnd support!
So here's my story....I have two girls - 3.5yrs, and almost 2yrs. I was diagnosed with pnd when my second daughter was 3 months and have been on citalopram ever since. I tried just before Christmas to reduce my meds (was on 1.5 tabs, went down to 1 tab), but after two weeks had a major meltdown, so upped the dose again. Around 3 months ago I felt ready to try to come off them, so I went to 1 tab for one month - everything was fine. Dropped to 1/2 a tab for one month - everything was still good. Dropped to 1/4 of a tab for two weeks and started noticing I was a little more irritable than usual, but just thought I was tired. Stopped meds altogether around 2 weeks ago and have been really irritable, anger easily (although I don't neccessarily feel grumpy, I just have a REALLY short fuse), and have been quite tearful (crying over something or nothing almost every day). I don't feel depressed as such, not like I did at the beginning, but the irritability and tearfulness are some of the other symptoms I experienced originally.
I find myself shouting at my girls, and getting really angry with them when it's probably not necessary. I've even smacked them a few times recently I hate the person I'm being at the moment, so I'm wondering if I should go back on my meds.
I really don't want to, for two reasons....the main one is that we want to start trying for baby #3 in October, and I am really scared to take anything while pregnant. My doc has said it's okay, but I'm not convinced. The other reason is that I put on 14kg while I was on the meds - ate everything in sight (and if there was nothing in sight I'd go buy something!). I've just started losing that weight and I REALLY don't want to put it back on!!
I've just started going to a personal trainer to get me back on track fitness/weight-wise, and exercise is 'apparently' just as good as meds for depression, and I'm taking Omega oils because they're also meant to help with depression, so should I just wait and hope it gets better? Or should I go back on the meds? Arrrgghhh!! I've been putting off seeing my doc about it cos I know she'll recommend meds again. To be honest, I think I probably need to, but what about getting pregnant again?
Help!
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Replies:
Posted By: Kellz
Date Posted: 04 August 2007 at 7:56pm
Hi! Welcome to Oh baby!
Sorry you have had a tough time. I havent been on meds for long, and dont want to be. I stopped taking them 3 days ago, and have all the same symptons back like u discribed.
Sorry I cant really help you, as Im new to this. But just wanted to say hi, and hope u get the answers you need soon.
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Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: 04 August 2007 at 8:51pm
Posted By: busymum
Date Posted: 04 August 2007 at 9:38pm
It probably is still a good idea to talk over with your doctor and see if there's someone you can talk with about how to equip yourself to deal with situations better, in a way that isn't based on meds... I'm thinking along the lines of anger management course/parenting course/that kind of thing, or even some kind of support group? Not that I'm implying anything negative (e.g. anger) cause I don't know you at all. But I wonder if there is some kind of course etc out there that would help you on a practical level?
It sounds like you've done really well to get this far. Maybe a light dose is what you need for a bit longer but definitely have a word with your doctor first, let her know what you hope to do (ie get off them!) and take it from there. All the best!
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Posted By: catcat
Date Posted: 05 August 2007 at 9:12am
Thanks guys - I think I'll go and have a chat with her tomorrow. Busymum, I was actually thinking the same thing - maybe an anger-management course or something. I know the anger isn't 'me' (I've always been a really calm, laid-back kind of person), it's part of the pnd, but I'm sure a course would still help me to deal with it. I'll ask her about it while I'm there.
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Posted By: Glow
Date Posted: 05 August 2007 at 12:35pm
Hey Kebe, welcome!
Firstly id like to give you a big And Thankyou for sharing your story with us. Sorry to hear things arent going well at the moment & hope things get back on track for you soon.
I suffer from "something" & find it hard to deal with & express emotions, so wont have the best advice for you & probably wont make sense but meh..
"asking for help in ALL avenues & walking through the doors that open for you are the firsts steps. Then letting go & working with it. Wont dont kill you WILL make you stronger"
hope you get what i mean hun & the right door opens for you.. heres another
X
------------- Mummy of Two Boys B: 2004 K: 2007
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Posted By: my2angels
Date Posted: 05 August 2007 at 2:05pm
All the best Kelly, hope you feel better soon. Awesome stuff about the personal trainer!
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