Have you ever heard of just taking meds

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Have you ever heard of just taking meds
4
Tue, 08-17-2004 - 12:04pm
for pms symptoms a few days a month? A friend said her doctor subscribed (hmm... I think she might have said prozac) to help with her pms symptoms. The thing I don't understand is she said she needed to only take them a couple of days a month to help with her symptoms. I thought you needed to be on the medication at least a couple of weeks to notice and benefit from the medication. Can you just take it when you are feeling overwhelmed and irratable for pms and then stop? I am curious because I suffer from depression and it seems to be cyclical. Taking medication only when the syptoms are present seems less scarey somehow. On the other hand my parents both suffer from depression and I may be under estimating my need for medication. I am just soooo scared to gain weight and suffer some of the other side effects. I already have a very hard time sleeping and I have 4 children who depend on me. Sleep deprivation only adds to all my feelings of not being able to cope and sadness the worst is just when I feel numb.
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-01-2004
Tue, 08-17-2004 - 5:31pm
We just had our community exchange, there may be an answer in that folder.

It is a great question.

They may have an faster answer at the PMS Board:

http://messageboards.ivillage.com/iv-bhpms

Welcome to the board. I will be intrigued to find out the answer!

Sending hugs and good thoughts your way.

Take care,

Lisa-)

Co-CL Depression Support Board

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
Tue, 08-17-2004 - 8:09pm

Hi and Welcome!


I agree with Lisa in that I have never heard of this but it could be possible.

*hugs             

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-11-2004
Tue, 08-17-2004 - 8:38pm
((((madyson007))))

Hi there and welcome to the boards :o)

I was actually prescribed a low dosage of Prozac a few months back for severe PMS symptoms. I've struggled with depression for almost all of my adult life, but have always found that during my period and the few days prior I'm extremely moody, irrate and have little or no patience, more so than the other days of the month. I have 3 kids and patience is an absolute MUST HAVE, as I'm sure as a parent of 4 you can not only relate, but realize even more so!!!

The prescription I was given, like I said is a low dose of Prozac, I take it 3 days prior to and the first 7 days of my mens cycle. I was finding it was helping me with my patience, but also helping me to think clearer. But, I actually had an appointment this AM because I was finding though it was helping me throughout those 10 days, I need a more regular everyday help as well, not just those 10 days. I was finding I was even worse during those days before taking the meds, now I realize I need help for all 28 to 31 days a month, not just 10, because things aren't so great on ALL the days of my month.

You wouldn't notice much if any change for about 2 to 6 weeks usually when taking antidepressants, depending on the dose and kind of med, with the one I was prescribed, after taking the second round of 10 (my second mens cycle) I was able to feel a difference in my moods.

I don't think anyone gets to a point that they can take meds only when needed. I was under the knowledge that (in my case) my PMS problems are chemical, changes in hormones etc. But because I've been depressed for so long, I know that there are some deep rooted issues that also cause my depression.

Just so you know. According to my Dr, this perscription she gave me, the metod of only taking a low dose for the 10 days of mens is relatively new. I've mentioned here a few times, and concern is large. More because of if being Prozac. I was assured today that because the dose is low enough, there is little or no chance of addition, but though its low, it is effective.

My best advice is to talk with your Dr about not sleeping well, I'm assuming is attributed with being a Mom to 4 kids. How you do it is beyond me!!! Talk with your Dr, and see what he/she thinks and go from there.

I think your an awesome Mom for your worries, obviously they are your #1 priority and I think thats awesome. But always remember that in order to be the best Mom you can be is to take care of you 1st!!! Only then, can you fully take care of your kids. A happy and healthy Mom makes for a happy and healty family :o)

Take care!!

((((hugs))))

Pam

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Tue, 08-17-2004 - 11:17pm
Thank you all for your kind responses. I am going to talk to my dr. about it. I think you are right about making myself a priority sometimes, it will make me a better mother. I remember the last time I was at the dr., I mentioned the trouble I have with sleep and he said it could be a symptom of depression or maybe it had to do with my 4 kids lol I think it might be time to investigate.

Thank You