Pregnant Can't Take Anti-depresants

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-27-2006
Pregnant Can't Take Anti-depresants
17
Mon, 04-16-2007 - 6:19pm

Several years ago I was put on anti-depressants for depression. And went to counseling. While going I was told I was bi-polar. I ended up stopping my counseling because I didn't have the money, and still don't fully understand what I do that makes me bi-polar. I am now 9 months pregnant, and have not been off Paxil for several months, and have been overall ok. But it seems like I am getting worse (maybe Paxil is finally FULLY working its way out of my system; I don't know). I am sure my hormones from the pregnancy are also making it worse. But I have been losing control more and more.

I literally have to fight with myself not to beat my daughter up. And although I have not beat her up, I have been causing more damage to her than I would like. Forcing her to lay down in her bed, and covering her mouth (very roughly) so she won't cry, throwing her into her car seat (she is 4, so not too little, but little. I seem to control myself with my 18 month old better; which shows me that I do have some control. Yet the 18 month old doesn't act out half as much as the 3 year old). I wanted to throw her down the stairs today when she was throwing a fit. I smack her butt a little too hard. I realize all these things are bad, but not EXTREMELY bad. It is probably causing her more emotional problems than anything. I am just worried that I will get worse, because I think about doing worse. And I am in control enough that I don't act upon those other thoughts, but what if I don't one day?

My doctor wants me to get on Celexa, but I was wondering if any of you guys knew of other ways to help calm me with out getting back on any drugs. Like maybe eating more of something, or taking more vitamins of some kind. My doctor doesn't recommend going this route due to there not being enough studies that prove that alternative medicines really work. But I am willing to give them a shot. So any suggestions would be appreciated. I am almost done with my pregnancy, so soon that will not be a issue, but I need to make it to the end.

Lilypie First Birthday tickers

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-29-2003
Tue, 04-17-2007 - 10:17pm

I took this from the www.nimh.nih.gov site. Go to the Bipolar/Manic Depression link and then to the symptoms page. Where I put "***" is next to the symptoms that I personally have experienced.

Signs and symptoms of mania (or a manic episode) include:

-***Increased energy, activity, and restlessness
-Excessively "high," overly good, euphoric mood
-***Extreme irritability
-***Racing thoughts and talking very fast, jumping from one idea to another
-***Distractibility, can't concentrate well
-***Little sleep needed
-***Unrealistic beliefs in one's abilities and powers
-***Poor judgment
-***Spending sprees
-A lasting period of behavior that is different from usual
-******Increased sexual drive (huge problem for me in the past, sometimes called "hypersexuality")
-Abuse of drugs, particularly cocaine, alcohol, and sleeping medications
-***Provocative, intrusive, or aggressive behavior
-***Denial that anything is wrong

A manic episode is diagnosed if elevated mood occurs with three or more of the other symptoms most of the day, nearly every day, for 1 week or longer. If the mood is irritable, four additional symptoms must be present.

Signs and symptoms of depression (or a depressive episode) include:
-***Lasting sad, anxious, or empty mood
-***Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
-***Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
-Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed, including sex
-Decreased energy, a feeling of fatigue or of being "slowed down"
-***Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
-***Restlessness or irritability
-***Sleeping too much, or can't sleep
-Change in appetite and/or unintended weight loss or gain
-Chronic pain or other persistent bodily symptoms that are not caused by physical illness or injury
-***Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts

A depressive episode is diagnosed if 5 or more symptoms are experienced for most of the day, every day, for a period of two weeks or longer.

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If you read further down on that page, they talk about rapid cycling bipolar disorder. This is the category I fall into. Instead of my episodes running for a couple of weeks at a time, it is generally more like a couple of days at a time. I also sometimes experience both mania and depression symptoms at the same time.

Read into it. If you have any questions along the way, post your questions and we will do what we can to answer them. What's the worst thing that could happen? You could read it and decide that it doesn't apply to you. What's the best thing that could happen? You could read it and decide that it does apply to you. For me, having the answers was the most therapeutic part of this entire journey.

Good luck!

Dawn

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-28-2003
Wed, 04-18-2007 - 2:20am

Marci,


I just wanted to let you know that TrueHope's product, Empower, which was formulated specifically for Bipolar Disorder, has been nothing short of a miracle in my life. Your post said:


From my personal experience and that of others here on the board and elsewhere, herbal and dietary supplements have little or nor affect, and most people who try alternative treatments usually go back to traditional meds.

beachsig.jpg picture by jennl24
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-28-2003
Wed, 04-18-2007 - 2:28am

You're quite welcome. Like I said, it is expensive, but has completely turned my life around. If Celexa or another medication will help you, that is fine too, but please do consider taking something, for the sake of your kiddos. You all deserve things to be better.


And, to answer your question, no I don't have withdrawals, if I miss a dose. Different medications cause difference side effects (I was on probably a dozen different meds and combinations of meds over the course of 4-5 years before I tried the TrueHope supplement I referred to). Paxil caused me to have horrific nightmares, it causes you to have Migraines. If that is what you're worried about, you can always try a different anti-depressant.


But I do highly recommend TrueHope's supplement, Empower, if you can afford it. It's been absolutely incredible for me and my family.


I hope you can find something to help you feel better.

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beachsig.jpg picture by jennl24
iVillage Member
Registered: 11-27-2006
Wed, 04-18-2007 - 1:19pm

Yes I agree that I do need to get on something. This is why I ended up taking Celexa yesterday. We will see how it turns out, but I am feeling a little more comfortable with the idea of taking it. And it is only $10. So I can afford that. And then possibly get me some counseling as well.

Thank you for your opinions once again.

Lilypie First Birthday tickers
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-28-2003
Wed, 04-18-2007 - 1:21pm
No problem. Good luck!

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beachsig.jpg picture by jennl24
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-04-2005
Wed, 04-18-2007 - 1:49pm

Celexa is one of the many medications discussed on our Antidepressant Meds board - you might want to take a look there for some additional support and info


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iVillage Member
Registered: 11-27-2006
Wed, 04-18-2007 - 3:22pm
Thanks for sending me that link. I have been trying to research as much as I can about the drug and all the side affects. It is just always hard to tell how it will react with me, because everyone is so different. Thank you for helping me stay informed.
Lilypie First Birthday tickers

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