Paxil and Breastfeeding. Please I need your help

[StayAtHomeMama21]

I don't know what to do. I posted this earlier in the breastfeeding forum. I was on Paxil before i found out I was pregnant, and was doing great. However, I have been off ever since, my son is almost 11 months, and my anxiety is at new heights. I'm not what I would call depressed, but I'm certaintly not enjoy this motherhood as much as I know I can/should/want to. I'm just so stressed out ALL THE TIME. I have to do everything perfect. Even if I'm unhappy doing so.
Anyways, I fight off panic attacks everyday. I don't meet other mom's because I just feel like they are judging me. When I'm in the checkout line at the grocery store, I feel like everyone is looking at me, thinking what is wrong with that crazy woman? is she on something?, because I'm just so nervous!!

I just got on Paxil, 10 mg last monday. I already feel better!! I'm laughing more, I'm having fun (imagine that!) making jokes. It's great. Except every since last wednesday the babe has not been sleeping. We don't have a great sleep record for the past anyhow, but this seems different. He just won't sleep. and his cries are at new levels.
I don't know what to do if it is because of the Paxil. I don't know the first thing about weaning and I don't want to anyhow.

Help please

[Ruthla]

Is it possible that the baby is getting in molars, or something else is going on in his life that might explain the sleeplessness? Any new foods in either of your diets (other than Paxil)?

What is his nursing pattern like? Can you time things so you take the pill at a time of day when he's less likely to nurse a lot?

ETA: if it turns out the medicine is causing the problems, it may be possible to try a different medicine. It's not just a choice between weaning, going without treatment, or dealing with the baby's response to this particular medicine.

[Ambrose]

I second switching to another medicine perhaps. Paxil has recently been linked to possibly causing heart conditions in infants IF TAKEN WHILE PREGNANT with said infant. Since you said you didn't- I know you are in the clear there and your son doesn't (at least you didn't state) have any heart issues.

I'm all for taken medication for PPD, I'm currently taken Paxil myself, however I'm not breastfeeding.

I think switching to another med while breastfeeding would be safer (at least- that is what I would do if it was me).

[timneh_mom]

One antidepressant that many breastfeeding moms take when they need it is Zoloft. They have done a lot of studies on it and it's generally thought of as one of the safest ones.

I agree, there are others you can take if you are really suspicious that it's the Paxil causing problems. A LLL leader can look up the medication for you, as can a lactation consultant. I am really glad the Paxil is helping you feel better... but I think you can have good results with a different med that will not have the same affect on your child! Take care!