should i be ready for PPD? *ZOLOFT SAFE WHILE PREG? ADVICE??? - Page 2

[beansmama]

Originally Posted by furfeet

Desiree-
I just started taking zoloft due to anticipated PPD (25 mg, will increase to 50 when the headache goes away!) and from what I've read and heard, this is such a low dose (pg women sometimes go on up to 200mg) it is not a real threat to the baby.
However the SSRI's "can" cause respiratory issues for the newborn so I think you should try to stay on as low a dose you can... if 25 works for you that's great.

Thanks for the tip - i originally was going to try to wait until the baby was born to take them, but mentally i was just NOT well and didn't feel i could wait. I'm actually laughing again and not feeling paranoid, etc. It's GREAT.

I think i'll wait this week out and see if i'm still feeling pretty well...then i'll call the doc and ask her what she thinks about sticking at the lower dosage.

The headaches are zoloft related? I've had one all day - mild, but still *annoying*. I wasn't sure if it was the hormones or zoloft. Oh well, it's worth it for me!

[mamatolevi]

I'm glad the meds are helping you so far. They were literally lifesavers for me.

One statement in your original post bothers me though.

so he's ready (dd isn't his kiddo - and this is his first) but doesn't understand how i could be sad for no reason, kwim?

It's not "no reason." Ever. It's a hormonal and brain chemical imbalance. The reason may not be patently obvious to an observer, or even the person suffering with it, but it is a legitimate reason. Just like insulin deficiency is a reason for diabetes.

Please don't think I'm picking on you. It's just such a common thing I hear about depression and it irks me, so every chance I get I try to mention that in the hopes that that statement, or something like it, will be the answer that springs to mind when family members or friends are unsupportive b/c they don't understand what's going on. I feel like there is this pervasive societal pressure that since we have a happy healthy baby we shouldn't feel depressed that keeps a lot of women from getting the help they may need.

[beansmama]

Originally Posted by mamatolevi

I'm glad the meds are helping you so far. They were literally lifesavers for me.

One statement in your original post bothers me though.



It's not "no reason." Ever. It's a hormonal and brain chemical imbalance. The reason may not be patently obvious to an observer, or even the person suffering with it, but it is a legitimate reason. Just like insulin deficiency is a reason for diabetes.

Please don't think I'm picking on you. It's just such a common thing I hear about depression and it irks me, so every chance I get I try to mention that in the hopes that that statement, or something like it, will be the answer that springs to mind when family members or friends are unsupportive b/c they don't understand what's going on. I feel like there is this pervasive societal pressure that since we have a happy healthy baby we shouldn't feel depressed that keeps a lot of women from getting the help they may need.

Oh, i totally understand the hormonal/chemical imbalance part of depression - as does my DH and family. I'm just saying - for an outsider, or someone who has not experienced depression (beyond occasionally feeling "blue") - it might seem like there is no reason behind my depression. And really, there IS no reason other than the imbalance...if not for the imbalance, my life is pretty much perfect.

I'm just thankful the meds are starting to make me feel better. I can't wait to be totally balanced and able to fully enjoy my life!

[marge234]

I'm so glad the meds are working for you. The headaches will end. Please don't pressure yourself about the dosage--25mg is a very low dose for zoloft. Take enough to get the full benefit.

[LynnS6]

Please stay in touch with your doctor about dosage. Even 50 mg is a low dose, relatively speaking. (The maximum dose is 200+ mg.) As long as your OB/Midwife knows that you're taking Zoloft, they'll be OK with it and can watch your newborn. For the health of yourself and your current children (and your unborn child) it's better to be treated. Really. Those stress/depression chemicals can affect your unborn baby's brain. (That's why I'm prone to anxiety/depression -- my mom was severely depressed while pg with me.)

I was on a high dose of Paxil (3x the starter dose) when I was pg with dd. She had no respiratory distress or issues after her birth. She was a little 'jittery' the first day or so, but that passed. She's now 5, sharp as a tack, highly emotionally sensitive and intuitive, imaginative, physically coordinated, and when I don't want to throttle her (she's pretty intense at times), a delightful child.

note too that you might need an increase in dose after the baby is born. Sometimes the hormonal swings of delivery REALLY make your moods swing too. I had to go up a dosage. I'm back down to a starter dose now, and am looking at finally weaning off. But I'm in no hurry. Really.

[beansmama]

It's so great to know that I'm not alone! Hearing other mom's stories is definitely reassuring me that I'm not making a huge mistake.

I upped my dosage a couple of days ago...I've been having a little nausea and some headaches though...I'm guessing they're just side affects and will wear off shortly (hopefully).

I'm prepared to up my dosage again after the baby is born...assuming I still have insurance. I need DH to try to get me on his insurance ASAP, because my state coverage will end 30 days postpartum

[SunShineSally]

I just wanted to say that your thread really helpped me to get my own help while pregnant as did the mama's on this forum I am also happy to hear that you are doing better

[Pookietooth]

Yes, thanks for the therad.