Long term studies?

[mamaginabean]

Does anyone know if there are long term studies done on any of the depression or anxiety medications? I am nursing a 23 month old and desperately need to be on something (I've needed this for a while). I have extreme anxiety/panic episodes that are disrupting my life- I'm in FL on vacation right now but instead of sleeping I'm up with diarrhea because I'm having one of my attacks. The thought of medication sets me into an even worse attack because I'm so worried about what the medication will do to ds. When I'm in the middle of one of these panic episodes, I swear that I will get myself to the doctor ASAP and get on something; but then when it passes (usually around 7-9 hours later) I think of all these "grand" schemes as to how to help myself that don't involve prescription medication (I've tried medication, the chiropractor, talk therapy, Mama Calm, Calmes Forte) and then when I'm having another attack I'm hating myself for not just getting the stupid medication and getting on with my life.

All this to say- anyone know of some long term studies? I'm just so worried that the medication that he gets will re-hardwire his brain or something and then he'll be dependent on medication for the rest of his life. I need help, I can't live like this

eta: here is a link to what I wrote describing my panic episodes. I'm sitting here sobbing because that was written in October. I can't believe I've been living like this for so long
http://www.mothering.com/discussions...d.php?t=777800

[mom0810]

Hi,

There have been studies going back over 20 years showing no harm to fetus' in a pregnant woman exposed to meds, and also in nursing babies. Have you researched on Hale's website at all? There is lots of info there on zoloft, which is probably what you would take, and showing that is does not even enter the babies bloodstream in detectible amounts. Also, two new studies came out this summer showing that meds are VERY safe in pregnancy.

If you need the meds, by all means, take them. The fact that you are worrying about the meds themselves to this extent does, in fact, show that you probably have OCD to some extent, as well. Depression, panic, and OCD cycle. Just like you describe. So the fact that you have times where you feel fine and then you have an attack is very normal.

I would recommend therapy and hopefully meds. Therapy + meds have the highest success rate.

The fact that your dc is 23 months is even better. I would not be worried in the least bit about taking meds while nursing. Please do what is best for you. Your family needs you to be well. YOU need you to be well. Things can be so much better.

Best wishes to you.

[Surfacing]

Hugs mama, I have a history of anxiety/panic attacks and know how uncomfortable they can be. I have been taking Prozac since the second trimester and am nursing my 9 wk old. In the research I did beforehand I found, like Mom0810 posted, that with various meds there is long term research and NO difference has been found in cognitive, emotional, physical or neurological development of children where their mother took the med while pregnant or nursing. Talk to your doctor or ask for a referral to a psychiatrist who knows the various meds and which ones are given the go-ahead for your particular diagnosis.

It's so hard to live with panic/anxiety and you will be doing yourself, your son and your family a favour to take care of yourself and get the help you need.