Going to the Doctor Need Advice on Which Meds to Take

2.5 months after having my third child, on my 35th birthday I closed my office door, called my husband in tears and my friends stood outside singing to me. My husband made an appointment with my primary care and I went on zoloft. I never heard a diagnosis but I know that on zoloft I am a better mother and better wife. I don't yell without provocation (at least not often:)

You are not crazy. I had they same thing after my third child was born. There is a name for it but I don't remember it. My doctor put me on Prozac (very high dose) for 4 years. It work well but gave my hot flashes after a while at the dose I was at and a lower dose was not effective. I did not have suicidal thoughts. They switched me to citalapram which still works but with out the hot flashes. Medicines used to treat depression are used to treat other illness associated with the chemicals in the brain. As for weight gain I found that not biting my children and husband's head off for just walking in the room far out weighed (no pun intended) the possiblity of extra weight. Good Luck

I have a good friend with anxiety disorder and she has tried meds, but didn't feel they were the best choice for her. She just started counseling - maybe that's a route for you to consider?

Mo...the things you are describing sound like they could be part of the syndrome that is called Post Partum (sp??) Depression. Don't take the word "depression" too literally..I think it can mean a whole spectrum of things, especially in this case. Your OB/GYN is the one with all of the experience in dealing with this. Don't go in there with any pre-conceived notions about what to take or what not to take. There are dozens of different options and he/she will need to decide which one is the best for you. AND...the first choice may not be the exact fit for you...it may take a couple of tries to find exactly what you need to take. As for the weight gain...none of the medicines that are out there today just take fat and slap it on our bodies!! ( Wouldnt it be nice to have something to blame...lol) Some of the meds make you feel more hungry...or more tired...or more mellow...they are working with the chemical balance in your body so of course they are going to effect the way you feel ( that IS what you want them to do after all!!) but don't let the fact thay they MAY make you gain weight make you hesitate to use them. Ask yourself..which is better...to gain 10 lbs or be more calm and happy around my family.
Good luck to you and let us know how things go.
R. Ann

I had exactly the same sort of "symptoms" as you mentioned, but my youngest was about 4 years old. I was edgy, irritable, etc.....I thought maybe it was my birth control and my age (40 + yrs). I was not easy to be around to say the least. Anyway, I talked to my Dr. about it and she put me on Lexapro - it is an anti-depressant, but not always used for depression. It helps "even" things out basically. It took about 6 weeks to take affect, but it works wonders. I was a lot more at ease, I was able to stop snapping at everybody, and it is great. I didn't gain weight, I don't feel "out of it", etc. I take it everyday and I get along just fine! I know that some people just take it before their period, but I take mine daily. Just ask your Dr. about it and see what he/she says. I think you will notice an incredible difference in how you feel and react to things. Good luck and hang in there!!!!

Mo, you are right to talk to your obgyn at your appt. There are certainly medications out there that can help. It sounds like you have some anxiety, I started having serious panic attacks out of the blue when my youngest was around kindergarten age. I had always been the kind of person who got really nervous about going new places, but had started edging up on worse and worse and one day on the way to driving him to scout camp and the two kids in the back seat sqwabbling ( is that a word? lol) I had a full blown panic attack. I like you had started getting snappish as well, and didn't like it, but also felt like I had little control over it. Don't worry, your doctor will have suggestions for you medication wise. Also it is not an exact science, sometimes you have to try a few meds before you find the one that is right for you. There is no shame in it, our hormones can do some crazy stuff to us, and it aslo by no means says you will need to be on meds forever. ((hugs)) it gets better. Lots of luck, B.

Hi Mo! I'm going through a similar thing right now. I've heard it's hard to stop taking the anti-deppressant meds. So I started with acupuncture. I've been going for the last 5 weeks & I can tell a difference (and so can my husband)! So I am hopeful it will help in the long run. I see Dr Trump - ###-###-####. They are located at 91st & Metcalf. Call them first and talk to them. It's a small office & they answer their own phones. I also started taking a vit D supplement (but be sure to get a good one - I ordered Metagenics- through Dr Trump). Hope you find something that helps!

Hi. Besides irritability..do you feel 'off'? I used to snap at my hubby and kids over the smallest things. Couldn't stay focused on anything. Getting out of bed was tough. Some of the things you are describing sounds like depression to me.

I was not nursing at the time, so my regular primary care physician put me on Xanax. It was the best thing ever to come into my life. I am now a nursing mom of a beautiful 4 month old baby girl and knowing that I do get depressed my ob/gyn put me on Zoloft - much safer for the baby and keeps me happy. My hubby likes me better this way, i'm much nicer :)

not sure about the weight gain, but my thought is my mental health outweighs 'weight gain'

I'm so sorry that you are feeling this way. Good for you for helping yourself (& your family) by going to the doctor. Your symptoms could be from depression or even a combination of depression & anxiety. When it comes to depression meds remember that the suicide rate it automatically higher because the people being prescribed them are already depressed. But, write down EVERYTHING you are feeling &/or what other people are saying about you & bring in the paper with you. You are not alone. There are many of us out there dealing with depression. So, don't wait. You'll be glad you did. Both you and your family will benefit with you finding a solution.

I was diagnosed with depression & ADHD when I was 30 and am so glad I went. I also would fly off the handle at small things. Sounds also were very annoying. My husband tapping his foot or my daughter playing a videogame would drive me nuts & I had to leave the room. One day I realized it wasn't fair to me or my family for me to be so high strung.

Hang in there, you've already taken a huge step in realizing that there is something wrong!

J.

Hi Mo,
I'm sorry to hear about what you're going through. I too deal with similar issues and I know how terrible it is. I'm fairly certain my issues are related to a horomone imbalance which runs in my family and unfortunately due to other health issues I can not take horomones to help balance me out. I have found an all natural product from Arbonne called Prolief that helps even me out and might help you as well. It's just a cream that you rub into your skin. I've been using it for over a yr now and I haven't had any ill effects from it. I do want to caution you on the use of Xanax, though. If you can avoid this drug, please do at all costs. I've known a LOT of people that have gotten hooked on it and it's not something you can just stop taking. If you simply stop taking it, it can cause sever seizures that if bad enough can result in permanent damage. Since it is a fairly new drug, many Drs aren't aware of the full effects of it or how to get people who have become addicted to it off of it safely. Please take it from me, I've seen 3 people very close to me fight this battle. One in particular, spent more than a yr traveling all over the country trying to find someone to help him get off the drug and it took him moving to a new state and spending thousands upon thousands of dollars to get off of it. Good Luck!

I'm sorry you're not feeling "right"...I can relate completely. I have been on Prozac for many, many years due to really bad PMS symptoms. It has helped me TREMENDOUSLY...I would try to wait to see what your OB prescribes you and try to trust their judgement...I would just tell them your concerns...i.e. having something prescribed that makes you gain weight or something that causes suicidal thoughts...I haven't had either problem...I think Prozac causes suicidal thoughts more in young adults and teenagers...you can also do some online research...that's what I do...You didn't feel this way with your 1st child? I know that depression can cause anxiety...if that's what your doctor thinks then I would try to trust what they say. Good luck with everything! :)

Good Morning Mo, I agree with Betsy, our hormones after pregnancy can be out of whack for a while and cause us to become snappish and way over board to perfectionism.
Your towels for example, if a guest used them it would be ok, but since your hubby did, it was a big NO NO you should of known better. Anxiety, panic attacks can happen at anytime. Sure doesn't mean your crazy.

I did suffer from depression for quite a while, after some tramatic events in our family. I feel great and want to stop taking the medication. Each time I bring it up with my Dr. she says lets wait a while longer. It has been over 8 yrs and I am tired of taking it. You can't just go cold turkey when stopping some medications, can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, numbness, nausea. So what ever your Dr. prescribes for you, like Betsy said it could take a while to determine what it right for you. Make it understood this is temporary situation. You have no desire to be on medication for ever.

I can get short tempered also, or antsy when ALL the grandkids, parents, come to my home. It is loud and I don't really have as much room in our home as we did in the past.
Yes Squabbling is a good word to describe kids in the back seat....lol Or their continuous singing loudly the same song over and over...lol Corbin loves singing Jingle Bells still. Zane's not talking yet, so he squeals LOUDLY.. Ear splitting at times as he pretends to sing too.

Another thing to have checked Mo is your Blood pressure, I can tell when I get the antsy my BP rises some.

God Bless you Mo, it will get better, I have no doubt. Your a super duper mama and terrific wife. Your hubby is lucky to have ya, since I would make him load the dishwasher, take out trash and help fold cloths....LOL

Hope you had a wonderful weekend
K. Nana of 5

First, as you can probably tell by the many responses so far, there are many possibilities. This means you should probably NOT self-diagnose--let your doctor determine whether or not you have depression or something else. And by the way, depression isn't always "being sad."

Second, if you really want to be well, especially for your family, please don't completely refuse a medication that could help, simply because you might gain a few pounds. Your sanity--and your family--is worth it.

Tell your doctor your concerns, but let him/her make the professional decision about what you have and how best to treat it. They really do go to medical school for a reason. ;-)

--A.

I can relate...I also have anxiety issues. I've take Lexapro and Celexa. Are you having panic attacks? Are you breastfeeding? These are all things that will be considered when putting you on the correct medicine. Xanax is highly addictive and can make you drowsy, so I don't think that's the best solution for a busy mom who already has too much on her plate. Xanax is really a crutch, getting on a chronic anti-anxiety med will eliminate the problem, so that you won't need to take the xanax. I take one at night so that I can sleep well, but even I need to change to Ambien, becasue xanax is habit forming.
Aside from medicine though, you should think about getting a mother's helper or enlisting family member or childless friend to come and give you a hand during the most stressful times of day, whatever those might be for you.
Good luck, I really know how you feel. I've been there, I'm there, and I'm trying to get myself out of it too. Just know that you aren't the only one and that it's okay to be totally stressed with a new baby and another child! You don't have to be superwoman! Ask for help!
Also, I'm not sure if the Ob is the best source for anxiety medication, you might want to find a pyschiatrist, as they clearly specialize in these kinds of meds...
GOOD LUCK!

write down all of your symptoms so you don't forget any. God Bless you.

You have a lot of great advice, and I just wanted to add a few other thoughts. During a time of high stress (divorce, high work load, family issues), my dr suggested Lexapro to help ease the anxiety and stress a bit. It did help some, but I eventually learned to face the issues with personal quiet time and exercise. Just having some "me time" - yoga, reading, prayer, going for a walk, going out to dinner by myself - all of this really helped me. I also starting journaling at the end of each day to help me think through the events in my life and realize the parts I had power to change and the parts that were beyond my control. (Husband using wrong towel = beyond control; my reaction = my control). I am certainly not against medication, as I think it did help me in the interim. I just realized that I had more control over my emotions than I thought I did. Wishing you all the best!

You may also want to have your thyroid levels checked. I started experiencing anxiety a few months ago and found out I have hyperthyroidism which explains a lot of other symptoms I've had, including fast heart rate, insomnia, fatigue, nervousness and irregular menst. cycle.

It sounds to me (in my amateur opinion) that you may have free-floating anxiety. A very good friend of mine has had this disorder for years. Her anxiety is free-floating because there's no specific trigger to her anxiety. Like you, she's just a little jumpy from time to time. She's not depressed. When she has an attack, she's just scared. She doesn't always know what she's scared of. For example, I'm not a big fan of spiders and to see one causes me anxiety, but I know I'm anxious because there's a spider crawling toward me. However, I rarely think about spiders unless I see one. My friend can have an anxiety attack just thinking about spiders, or car accidents, or world-wide hunger, or whatever. Her Psychiatrist prescribes Xanax to her. According to her it's a very small dosage (.5 miligrams) and effects her only a short while-just long enough to take the edge off her anxiety and let her get her emotions under control again. I don't think the Xanax caused weight gain because she's 5'3" and weighs 100 lbs. soaking wet. As I said, she's been on Xanax for years-at least 20 that I can personally attest to.

It seems to me that doctors today are too quick to diagnose depression without ever doing any kind of psychological examination. The whole world is on Prozac and Zoloft and the drug companies are making a killing off of it. If you don't think your depressed because you're not experiencing profound and long lasting sadness, feelings of utter hopelessness and extreme apathy and lethargy, then I agree with you. You are not depressed. Stick to your guns and don't let anyone put you a mind-altering medication that you don't need.

First I want to say that I am sorry you have to go through this. I have suffered from anxiety for years. A couple of years ago I had a few panic attacks. My husband just put up with my other outbursts. It wasn't until I had my son that I realized that I had a problem. My son lost the letter J from his block and I could not stop looking for it. I was ready to throw the blocks away because they were incomplete. Pretty extreme, right? I was about ready to cry because I couldn't find the block not because I was sad but because I was frustrated. I took a deep breath and decided to call my dr.

I had been on xanax because of the panic attacks but I wanted something to prevent the problems. My dr and I discussed this and we decided on zoloft. I want to caution you on calling these drugs antidepressants. They are now being called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors because they treat other conditions as well, such as ocd and anxiety. Look up this phrase on wikipedia. Since I have been on zoloft I have not needed to take my xanax. If you trust your dr and you tell him everything you mentioned in your post they will be able to help you find the medication that is right for you. It might take a few trys but it is definately worth it. Xanax is a good medication but it isn't used to treat general anxiety it is best used to treat panic/ anxiety attacks. It won't prevent you from yelling at your husband for using the "good towels" trust me I did the same thing too many times to count even when I was on xanax.

I want to congratulate you on recognizing that you need some assistance. It took me years and I use to work in the mental health field. Hope all goes well and you can message me if you have any other questions.

Hi, my name is B.. I have a 12yr and a 6 yr boys. About a yr ago i was feeling the same way. I see Dr. Powell. I think she is good. She isn't an ob but a family Dr. She put me on Effexor RX and xanax. They seem to be helping me but no med out there will make everything go away. Sometimes when they nap or in school try yoga or if u have a wii get the exercise one. I heard exercise and more activity with the like the park, the civic center, or the outside water park worls good. And sometime u just need a friend who understands which u seem like u have. Good luckand I hope things work out for you. If you need me in anyway I will try to help.It will b a few days cuz 2mrow I go for surgery on my [r] knee again but I will check them from my phone. Thanks for ur time, B. C Have a great day!!!

My issues with my edgeness, I won't say started when I was pregant b/c I'm a little on the intense side anyway, but they were worst and I was very hard to get along with to the point I didn't even like myself. My dr. ( Dr. Mitchell) put me on wellbutrin. It works great! I don't feel tired, I feel engertic, which makes me feel better. (I even do exerices sometimes, which was always are you kidding, I'm so tired I only want to go to bed, & it no longer mattered how much I needed/wanted a bath! As a matter of fact most of my computer passwords use to be "sleep"!) I'm much easier to get along with now where it's because I don't feel like an 80 years old or if it's aneixty Which my reg. dr.told me that is the problem. My reg. dr. also told me that this is not a problem that is likely to go away & that I always proably had issue with anexity just at different times it was masked as depression, or anger, edgeness, etc. He said that I'm just wired that way. The one problem that I had with wellbutrin was that I can't take it late in the day, b/c then I can't sleep at night. It also helps control my hunger. I haven't lost like a bunch of weight with it but I've pretty much been able to keep my pre-pregant weight. Of course my hb doesn't notice, he notices how skinny the waitdress is at a restuarant or how thin the news anchor looks, but everyone esle complaiments me and I feel I look good and that is what counts. Besides, I know that he has put on an extra 25 lbs since I was pregant with our last baby and 20 lbs before with the first one!! (Ha!) :>)

Someone probably already said this, but have your hormones checked too. It could be thyroid or some other hormone that is making you feel that way, or partially. It's nice to rule those things out before jumping on to the drugs. I've been on plenty different anti depressants/anti anxiety/anti psychotic/mood stabalizer drugs, and what I have to say is that different ones work better or worse for different people, and mostly you just need to watch and have others watch closely for you. I always think it's good to counseling, especially if you are bad enough to warrant drugs.

K.

Honey, you need to get of the house for a few moments for some "me" time. You don't need medication, you need some mental relaxation. Try this out for starters, tonight when you put the kids down for the night, tell your hubby that he is on "kid duty" and go for a drive, it can be to anywhere, go get yourself a small ice cream cone! I was starting to feel the same way and I actually felt guilty when I got any alone time, I felt guilty that I wasn't spending every waking moment with my family. Now, I make it a point that I spend 20-30 minutes a day by myself to reflect on my thoughts, to gather myself together. Granted, it is right after I get off work, and it is while I am at the gym and I spend it jogging on the treadmill, but oh it has doen wonders for me. Not only have I lsot 23 pounds in 13 weeks (which I still need to lose quite a bit more weight) but my attitude around EVERYONE has been so much more pleasant, I absolutely LOVE every minute being with my kiddos (even the not-so-great temper tantrums), and meds have been the furthest thing from my mind. PLEASE!!! Try some alone time and/or exercise before trying any medications, you may find that your body and mind is just lacking those things. Nobody ever said being a mom was going to be easy, and being a stay at home mom is one of the toughest jobs you can have.

Well I do have a question. Are you on the Mirena IUD? Because I was and I pretty much started feeling the same way you are now. otherwise my only other solution is getting someone to babysit like once or twice a week to give you a break. also valarian root is really good to help calm your nerves and for some people helps them sleep. it is all natural and you can buy it at walmart.

I am sorry you are going through anxiety. Having alot on your plate (such as children) will make it worse. I have suffered with anxiety since I was a teen. I am now 31 and I have three children under the age of 10. I do take medication for anxiety. I take the generic for Celexa (20 mg). It is a very light dose, but keeps me where I need to be. No medication is 100% going to make you better. You have to also condition yourself to not be so anxious. Medication will take the edge off. You have to work on the rest. You can talk to your doctor about ways to help you, or maybe he can refer you to someone in the mental health profession. Also anxiety IS a form of depression, sad to say. Hope you get better soon!

I don't have advice on which meds you should take, only to say that you should explain everything to you doctor just the way it is, and make sure he/she understands that you aren't feeling depressed, but anxious. Be open about your fears and concerns regarding specific medications then see what he/she provides for a solution. I am a nurse and work with postpartum women. You are not alone, this is very common and you are doing the right thing by going to your physician for medical help. You don't have to keep feeling this way. Good luck!

I had a similar experience and waited until my son was a year before finally going to see my OB. She said I deserve to be happy and put me on Pristiq. I was really nervous to take it at first but I've been on it almost three months and am much better. I still get overwhelmed but my outbursts have really calmed down.

I guess the question I would have to ask you, from the tone of your letter, is do you really want to get help and feel better? First of all, I think you should let your doctor help you. He is the one that has the medical training. Depression sometimes does exhibit itself as anger. So don't just make up your mind that you know you are suffering from it. Your doctor is also the best one to prescribe the medication that will be right for you. Things have changed tremendously since Prozac was the only option. Lexapro is an excellent drug - many generations past Prozac.Side effects with Lexapro and nothing like earlier antidepressants.

I, too, suffer from anxiety. Had it way back as a kid and always had stomach aches from being nervous. It got really bad about 7-8 years ago. I went to the ER thinking I might have heart problems. At that time I went on Xanax for a short time and also on the generic for Celexa. Obviously, your dr. will help you decide, but I would ask questions if she prescribed any meds. I have a friend who's been on Effexor for a long time and she can not live a day w/o taking it, it's very addictive. If she misses one pill, her brain just feels all crazy/weird/miserable. She's had her dose increased b/c it stops working as well. I only take 10 mg of Celexa and it keeps me very much in check. It isn't addictive, I've not gained wait from it. I can miss a pill or two and doesn't affect me at all. I've gone completely off of it a couple times too. I'll do well for several months, then something will trigger it. So I've been on it now for about 18 mos straight. That's the longest I've been on and probably will try going off again. I never had any w/drawal problems w/going off in the past either. So, just learn as much as you can before agreeing to take something. I've gone to some therapy too. I, evidentally, am not very good at talking myself through it - sometimes that works, but sometimes I just can't shut that part of my brain off. I don't get mean or edgy, just feel scared/anxious a lot. Frustrating to deal with, but being in the medicine I don't have that, which is a great feeling - to feel like a more "normal" mom. Hope this is helpful. Best of luck!

I know what your going through I have the same problem. my started more after my first. please get help. I take laxapro. I have taken several. you don't want paxial. I took prozac it worked for awhile but not stronge enough.
You not by yourself out there. so many women have it but alot don't either talk about it or chose not to do anything. it is ok to do it. now I am getting it again with starting of manapause. still taking meds. I am here if you have any questions or what to talk.

Mo B,
Sounds like you've got a lot of good advice, but I just wanted to share my knowledge with you about some medications. I'm a registered nurse and I also take Wellbutrin. Xanax is primarily used to treat anxiety in the short-term. It can be very addictive and should not be used on a continual basis. As far as being worried about the suicide thing, the reason the risk is there is that some people are so clinically depressed that the act of suicide is too exhausting. After taking antidepressants for a while some people become just energetic enough to commit the act. It sounds weird, but it's true. I started Wellbutrin for a weight loss study, which it did work, but I continue to take it because it kept me from smoking (I used to smoke) and it helps with my irritability. It is tricky deciding on which medication is right for you, but I would try the relaxation techniques suggested by others before going right for the meds. But, if you need them meds can work very well. Good luck.

I do not have any advice on medication. However, you might also check out a family counselor or counselors who deal with postpartum/family issues as well. Maria Carella is a wonderful counselor in the St. Louis area.

I think edgy and overwhelmed can be a common feeling for parents of young children. Couple these feelings with the lack of sleep that we often face (after all sleep deprivation is a form of torture), than you have a recipe for irritability. I am not a physician so I can not recommend one way or another for or against meds. I do have a friend who found biofeedback helpful for his anxiety.

Either way, meds or no meds, it sounds like you need a break to regain your sanity and perhaps some more support with the housework and other responsibilities. Medication can help with some feelings. However, it isn't necessarily going to change your overall responsibilities. It sounds like you have a lot going on with sometimes real estate career, the majority of housework, as well as being the main care giver for your kids.
Good luck

Dear Mo,
I had similar symptoms when my first son was young. My doctor prescribed an anti-depressant and it made all the difference in the world. It took a great deal of "edge" off of my anger and tension. It lessened my feelings of being overwhelmed. I tried not taking the anti-depressants when I was pregnant, but inevitably after each birth, the feelings escalated (I have four boys: 13yrs, 9 yrs, and 5yrs). I am so glad that I put aside my feelings of the "stigma" of being on an anti-depressant(that was hard considering my husband and in-laws don't really believe in taking meds for almost anything; my husband though really loves the "new me" and notices if I am off my meds for any great lenghth of time and will say "Honey, you may need to take your meds again.") It has made me a calmer mom and thus an even happier one! Also, since then, I have met many mothers like myself who take anti-depressants too. Like me, they were hesitant at first and have found taking one to be a saving grace! Knowing you are not alone makes a BIG difference. More moms out there feel overwhelmed and sensitive to noise and other issues and take anti-depressants. If we speak up, then there will not be such a stigma.
I wish you the best with whatever solution you and your doctor choose.
K.

They have medicine for anxiety and it sounds like you need it. Anxiety is a type of depression and some of the meds are crossovers and will fit your need. And most likely you will not have to stay on it.Be patient because you might have to try a few before you find one that is right for you. Be in tune to your feelings and your husbands thoughts and observations while you are taking something and you will do great.Wishing you the best.

I started Wellbutin after having my second child. After several months, I realized this was not helping, so I switched to Cymbalta. This has been wonderful. I feel like my old self again and only wish I would have started it sooner. I am a better mother, better wife, and a happier person overall. And I am not ashamed to have to take it. It is what it is. Maybe some day I will get off of it, but I won't do this until I am ready.

Warnig- in the beginning, Cymbalta caused me to have pretty bad stomach pains (first day, it lasted for hours; after this, it got shorter and less often; now I never have them). Well worth it though. I also have some sexual side effects, but that seems to be getting better, too. Best of luck to you. -A.

Well you have accepted that you may have a problem with anxiety,I have post-partum depression and have a history with depression and was in denial for 2 yrs and now with my last daughter I finally went on Zoloft a very low dosage 25 mgs everyday and the edge has come off I can sleep well at nite and things are finally looking up.I feel better than I did and I just stretyed this medication 3 weeks ago and it takes about 6 weeks to really feel a difference but so far I have and no side effects that I feel as of right now.Keep your appt. and if you are breastfeeding Zoloft will more than likely be prescribed since it is by far from studies that is passes through breastmilk at a trace and won't effect the baby.If your not breastfeeding then I would guess Paxil or Celexa would be another choice there are so many of them out there discuss them with your dr and remember the side effects don't effect everyone the same way.But as a former user of Paixl that is more of a stronger antidepressant and wouldn't recommend it.But if you would like further info on it then let me know.Good Luck

I take cymbalta. My daughter is four now and I started taking it about a month after having her because I had a lot of your same issues. I havent had any side affects other than sweating a little more than usual for the first two weeks. Its been a life saver for me. Good luck!

Hello,

I just wanted to say that I would wait and tell your doctor your symptoms and then see what they think. If you don't like what they suggest for you, you can always ask for something else or try a different path. I know of some really great all natural stuff for anxiety if you were wanting something like that instead. These products will not make you gain weight and have no side effects and the best part is that they are money back guaranteed so if you didn't like them or they don't work you just send them back for a full refund. If your not wanting to go that route I would just talk with your doctor and tell them your concerns and go from there. It sounds like you would be a lot happier if you were on something though so good luck with your search for the right thing. If you want more info on the all natural products just let me know.

T. Cogan
Work At Home United
Your Life, Your Dreams, Your Business!
Website: www.allgood4life.com
E-mail: ____@____.com
Phone: ###-###-####

"Nothing is difficult to those who have the will." --Dutch Poet's Society

Hi Mo,
I just wanted to say that it is good that you are going to talk to your Doctor about this, it will be hard I've been there and there was crying involved, but be completely honest or the medications they prescribe won't help because they won't be the right ones. Also any anti-depressant runs the risk of actually making things worse. I have been on 4 different ones and never have found one that didn't make me cry. I am now on a mood stabilizer. It is called Abilify. It is for Bi-Polar. I also take Xanax for anxiety. These help so much I still get cranky but not like I did before. I did end up having to go to a psychiatrist though, which I really did not want to do. Just because of the stigma around it. I am really glad I did though. Good luck and I hope things work out for you!
M.

I completely understand everything you are saying. I have been feeling the same exact way. I went to my OB who gave me some options. One was Prozac and I had the same concerns as you about the meds. I spoke with a few very close friends regarding their taking the meds and they have not had issues. I began taking it just a few weeks ago. I have a family member who takes Xanax and that helps them. You HAVE to be comfortable with whatever you take so just make sure you voice your concerns to your Dr. I am taking the smallest dose possible b/c I HATE being on meds anyway!
Good luck and please know that what you are feeling seems to be normal! (I have a 28 month old and a 5 month old!)

Hi MoB,
I'm wondering why you are going to your OB/GYN to discuss "mental health". Why not go to a mental health professional, such as a licensed psychologist? After a mental health assessment, it is the psychologist's role to help you learn behavioral strategies to manage your anxiety and irritability. Based on a professional mental heatlh assessment of your particular symptoms and individual needs, you may or may not be referred for medication management. So YOU don't need "to know where to start with medications". YOU would not be prescribing meds for yourself (I hope!). If it turns out that you are then referred for a medication evaluation to help with your difficulties, then you would discuss this with a mental health professional who is licensed, trained, and experienced in medication management for your symptoms (such as a psychiatrist). Please consider taking one step at a time for now, and start by contacting an experienced and licensed mental health professional, such as a psychologist for an assessment to determine what is going on for you, a diagnois, and to develop an individualized treatment plan with you for addressing your difficulties. You may call your health insurance network for referrals in your area.
Best wishes to you!
LJSB