Jittery postpartum - anxiety?

[rofrye1]

Hello. I am a stay at home mom to a 4 month old girl and 2 1/2 year old girl. I am 4 months postpartum and have been feeling ok, but last week I had a strange episode of feeling really shaky and panicky and had to sit down and talk myself down. My chest was even getting tight.

Now I can't seem to get rid of this jittery feeling, like I've had too much caffeine or have low blood sugar. Just internal shakiness and it's really annoying and scaring me. I feel nauseaous at times and have hot flashes(?) also.

I went to the dr. and they did blood work and checked my sugar. All was normal. She thinks it might be hormonal and anxiety. She prescribed Zoloft, but I am scared to take it. I don't feel that stressed or depressed and anxious. Anyone else experience this? I don't know how to get rid of this feeling. Is this PPD? Anyone else have a positive experience with zoloft? Please help!

Thanks a bunch,
Robin

[mamatolevi]

zoloft is o.k. to take while nursing and can calm the anxiety attacks. I took it for a couple of years for my depression, though pregnancy and nursing two children. The dr who prescribed it to me is one of the top in the country that specializes in psychopharmacology in pregnant and nursing mothers. he knows this stuff inside and out and conducts many of the studies that show the safety and effectiveness of these meds. I eventually had to stop taking it b/c it quit working for me.

Personally, for the occasional anxiety attack I prefer a small dose of xanax (.25mg or 1/2 ofa .25mg tablet ).

[carmel23]

Hi Robin,
I have experienced PP Anxiety as you describe after all 3 of my kids births. I never took anything for it--I was too anxious to take anything , but eventually with better sleep and good nutrition I was able to overcome the anxiety.

I don't know what I'll do after this baby is born, but it is good to know that there is some medication out there. I think just knowing that it happens to other people helped a lot, and just to take deep breaths, take it easy.

Fish oil and vitamin D also seem to help, but that could just be me. HTH