Postpartum Treatment

Hey J.!
I have taken Zoloft for anxiety for about 3 months now, my dose had to be adjusted and i felt the difference within about a week of the increase. The only side effect i have had is the decrease in sexual desire! And it is severe which puts a different kind of strain on my marriage! But other than that, in all my other relationships, it has helped tremendously! Zoloft is maily used as an antidepressant, but it works really well for anxiety (which is what i have had for a while!) I have also tried Prozac, Paxil, and Celexa all of which either made me feel jittery, or after reading up on it found that some can be more addictive than others. Celexa really worked for me and i took it after my oldest until i got pregnant with my second. The only problem i had with it was that it made me too calm i really didn't care about anything. as far as the sleep goes i was scared to take anything at all because i was afraid that i wouldn't wake up if one of my girls needed me. i found that once i was a little more relaxed, the sleep just came easier. I have a 5 year old and a 3 year old, so i have been there! I also work full time, and have a husband with a job with a crazy schedule. It is so overwhelming. well i really wish you the best of luck! And remember, there are so many of us going through the same thing so you are not alone. I hope that if my experiences don't help that someones will. Let us all know how you are doing!

Zoloft was a wonderful thing for me. I felt better in about 2 weeks. It did make me a little sleepy, but the overall benefits were worth it. I also recommend trying to get out of the house every day for at least a little while. Get out in some sunlight for a walk. I know it seems like such a huge amount of energy to even get dressed sometimes, but it will get better. Hang in there and know you aren't alone and that you will get through it! You might also want to try a yoga class for the anxiety. It can be very helpful! Most YMCA's offer them and the fee includes child care.
L.

I am pregnant and my ND (naturopathic physician) has told me to take 6 fish oil pills a day, to keep my brain going, and to prevent post partum depression later on. It couldn't hurt anything, and might help. You could do a google search to research it a bit. Costco and Sam's have big bottles of 400 for around $12. Amazon.com carries the costco brand, for about the same price. Consumer reports tested many brands and did not find any difference in quality or contamination among the pricey ones and the affordable ones, so said your best bet is to get them wherever cheapest (costco and sams).

Hi J.,

I personally have never taken Zoloft but I know someone who has. Granted she is older, not postpartum. She began taking it I believe when it first came out (due to depression and somewhat suicidal tendencies). She is still on Zoloft and still manic. The Zoloft has seemed to calm her to an extent on some days, though it has never cured her of anything and has left her dependent on the drug for life.

My personal opinion is that Zoloft doesn't solve any problems or conditions, it just makes the same problem 'different.' When we consider that drugs do NOT heal and that they simply mask and/or change the initial problem for some be enough to get them to explore alternative options. This is not to say one should or shouldn't take drugs, it's just my opinion, what I've seen and know. For instance, antidepressants can compromise your immune system (leading to all kinds of other problems down the road), which is only one of many potential harmful side effects.

My personal preference is to always look for an alternative option over drugs for the past 35 years - taking drugs/meds has always been a last resort for me, I have always found other ways that were effective and helped me with my problems. If you happen to lean towards more natural solutions you may want to explore something else.

I am very big into therapeutic essential oils and as such I do sell them - I believe in them entirely. This is not to say you should use them and I'm certainly not trying to sell you on them. I'm just thinking you may want to explore them and other options.

Here's an article on my blog showing some of the ways I use my oils daily http://aromatherapy4u.wordpress.com/2008/12/10/60-easy-wa...

I also write a weekly E-Newsletter on using therapeutic essential oils, last week was on 'Happiness,' i.e., mood. You may want to check it out and see if it resonates with you. My newsletter archive is here http://community.icontact.com/p/theveryessence/newsletter...

Since the age of 15, I began exploring plants, herbs, essential oils, and healing foods - I am soooo glad I discovered, and met helpful teachers and people along my journey... they and the healing plants have certainly enhanced my life and well-being.

I love helping others learn about and how to use essential oils so if you have any questions please let me know - it's a whole world that most know little about... humankind's first medicines.

My best wishes to you on which ever path you take,
E.

P.S. - I almost forgot... for those who are really interested in 'natural' solutions there have been some studies done on depression and soil organisms - yes, it turns out that there are some soil organisms that work better than antidepressants.

Taking up gardening can produce great benefits for your health naturally than to rely on drugs that provide no meaningful upside whatsoever, and certainly in no way, shape or form treat the underlying cause.

Here are links if you're interested in learning more...

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/66840.php

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_...

I have three kids ages 7 ,5, 3, i had to use zoloft after my second pregnancy and during my third, it does help a lot, it has to do w/ seretonin levels in the brain, usually. It took about one to two weeks to tell a real difference, it is actually gradual difference and i was on it for about year, it does get better, and you may need to change meds for something diferent, just don't give up or let anyone belittle you or talk you out of persuing help - your worth it and your babies need you, functioning well

Hey J.,

Hang in there! I had postpartum-anxiety after the birth of both my children and was prescribed Zoloft. I did breastfeed. I think it's Prozac and Zoloft that are the safest to take during pregnancy and nursing. It will get better!

Hi J.,
There is a great support group for new moms and the lady that runs it (Anne) has great experinece and can directly answer your questions. There is always someone that has been there and done that at the meetings, as well as a professional volunteer (MD, etc). It is great to have an outlet for questions and other moms that know what it is like to be so busy.
I am a new mother of two my self, they are exactly 2 years and 1 week apart and I had to come to terms with the fact that I am not superwoman and need extra help more than before. I am coming out of it and will see how it goes as I head back to work next week. The good thing is that I really love what I do and a friend is able to keep my kids so I feel very safe with that. I work with pregnant & postpartum women and infants every day as a specialist chiropractor so I knew to be aware of these feelings much more with the second child.
Please contact this group, it meets in Raleigh or you can just email Anne. Here is the link: http://www.momssupportingmoms.net/Support_Groups.html
And if you have questions for me please email in return. It can also help to get yourself some stress relief physically, such as a massage or even care in my office to decrease the tension in the shoulders and neck especially.
Best wishes and have a Merry Christmas,
D. Hedgepeth, DC, DACCP
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www.KeystoneChiropracticNC.com
www.CarryMeClosely.com

Each individual is different, and these are questions better discussed with your doctor, not on a forum like this. Zoloft helps many, but as far as how long to take it, that should have been told to you when the RX was given to you.
As far as sleeping at night, with two little ones, that's a million dollar question!! LOL. Your nights are no longer yours for awhile, that's just a fact of life.
So work with your doctor, if Zoloft doesn't help, there are other things to try, and the doctor might even suggest a support group or counseling for awhile.
Best of luck, and remember you're not alone, many women go through this, and it does pass.

Hi J.
I hope that you know that what you're feeling is not uncommon - whether you technically have PPD (post partum depression). Zoloft is probably a good med for you, but it can take weeks before it starts working. Also, if you are breastfeeding, make sure your doctor is aware of that because it can cross over the breastmilk to your baby. You should also make sure you're getting enough exercise. Exercise increases endorphins (good things that your brain releases into your body) and helps perk the spirit. If things still seem to be slow to perk up, maybe try to find a local PPD group. I can't think of one off the top of my head, but if you google it I bet you'd find plenty - or you can try a local hospital and see if they have groups. Sometimes you just need to talk with someone who's experiencing the same feelings you are and you know understands what you're feeling.
Having two little ones is stressful know matter how much you love them. Make sure you are keeping yourself healthy both physically and mentally so that you can be the best mom you can be!
Good luck, P.

I started taking Zoloft for my postpartum - mine too was completely anxiety based which made me depressed. Within a couple of days I started calming down. To be honest I had issues with this long before my baby was born...just learned how to live with it. After she was born...it kicked into high gear! I chose to keep taking zoloft as it was something I needed for sometime. I only take 50mg's a day, depending on your size and when you started taking it, you should start feeling something within a week or so. Good luck and hang in there! You're not alone!

Please know that lots of women have been in your shoes. I started taking an antidepressant right after having my first. I got off six months after his birth, and did the same with my second. It helped me tremendously. I think two gets easier when the second starts moving around and can entertain the first more! Hang in there!

I was on zoloft after my first baby was born. The doctor put me on something else initially, but it really made me like a zombie. I switched to zoloft and had really great luck with that. He gave me some xanax during the switch to get me through the transition and that was REALLY helpful! I think you need to try it before you know what will work for you. Everyone is made differently, so if you don't like the first one, ask for another one. It really made me a better mom when I finally got help.
Good Luck!

Hi J.,
It does get better!!! I have one year old twins and let's just say this time last year was not exactly a happy one for me like I thought it was supposed to be. You are going through SO many changes and it's nothing to be ashamed of!! I fought taking something for too long. I finally got on Prozac and it was a life saver for me. Your doctor will probably want to wean you off between 6-12 months. Don't just stop taking it when you feel better. It really is OK to take it and there are SO many women out there who have had this problem but rarely talk about it. It's supposed to be this wonderful time and it's hard to admit that it might be overwhelming. If you have a support group or a friend who has been through it, talk with them...it does help! I remember feeling like life was never going to get better and it does. Take care!!

Hi J..

I know how you feel! I take 25 mg of Zoloft each day. It took about 2 weeks before the anxiety lessened and about 6 weeks until I felt totally "back to myself." Good luck. You'll feel better soon!

Hi, J.. I'm glad you're seeking help. Some people feel so ashamed to admit things just aren't right, but we know our bodies and we know when things are out of sorts. Don't let anyone make you feel ashamed. That's just ignorance when someone tries to make you feel that way. I take zoloft, and have been for about 9 years. Lots of stress brings on depression for me, and I can tell when it's bad because I've learned the signs. It takes app.2-3 weeks before things turn around a lot. You may even see signs a little sooner than that. We're all different. My side affect from zoloft has been mild ensomnia, but not everyone has that. I can handle that, but can't take the depression. If you have any questions, make sure you ask your doctor. Make them take the time to talk to you, and if they won't, find another doctor! God bless. Best wishes, J..

I presently take the generic version. It really started to help me within a couple weeks. One thing for me was that I have to take it in the morning to not effect my sleep. (I have figured out through trial and error to take it before 12:30) I know others that this is not a problem with their body.

I wish that someone had told me to try taking it after I had my son versus be miserable the way I was for almost a year. I just did not know what was wrong with me exactly, I figrued it is just the hormones, and I had to suffer through it. Best of Luck!

Please, before treating the symptom, test to see if there are underlying treatable problems causing the symptom. Check thyroid function--not just TSH. And cholesterol levels which may plummet after childbirth. Test for anemia. Sometimes sleep (or the lack of it) may be a major contributing factor. You say the anxiety keeps you from sleeping. I thought the same thing at one point, only to find once I slept better, that vicious cycle was broken. Tricks like melatonin, tryptophan and some other calming supplements helped me. Or perhaps you really need respite, and more support because you are simply exhausted--we don't want to ask for it, but sometimes that's exactly what we need to do--ask for tangible help.

These things may sound obvious, but sometimes (often?) they are overlooked. And perhaps there is no recourse but to use antidepressant (BTDT) but that still would not mean that there are not other issues needing to be addressed.

Yes, I have tried Zoloft. It helped my depression but caused me to feel less motivation. And I tried Paxil, and Remeron, and Cymbalta, and... And two of them gave me such severe withdrwal symptoms trying to get off them, I understood why drug addicts would try to rob a pharmacy. And in the end, addressing hormonal issues and using nutritional supplements worked FOR ME, better than every other pharmaceutical agent I tried--and with no side-efects.

And yes, I am under the care of a physican.

I too had very much anxiety along with panic attacks. Mine was due more to stressful problems that I was going through at the time. I refused to take medications deciding on more natural treatments for my body would be best but unfortunately I was getting worse. I finally said yes to the Zoloft and what a change. I am so so much better and now my family has me back. One piece of advice. The doctors will try to start you off with a high dosage level. I totally refused that and was adamant in taking the lowest dose available. Well I did and that is what to this day I am taking. If you need more, work up because working down will in the long run be more difficult. Hope this helps you out and always remember that prayer will get you through anything.

J., It generally takes about 2 weeks to one month to see results from medications such as Zoloft. As far as being able to sleep at night, I have always had a hard time staying asleep and have taken everything to try and sleep. I have found that taking 10mg of Melatonin about 20 minutes before bedtime, has helped more than prescription meds, Benedryl, Tylenol PM etc. It is a natural chemical that is released at night by your body to make you sleepy. It keeps your circadian rhythm going. I must have been deficient. I feel more rested in the morning and don't feel like I have to have a nap during the day. You can get this at Walgreens, CVS, Wal-Mart, Target, etc. It is relatively inexpensive. I really wish you luck because it is miserable when you are not able to sleep.
God bless and have a very Merry Christmas!!

Hey J., have been on zoloft for bout a year and half. Yet had postpartum with my last child which was my 4th pregnancy. Yet was on zoloft before that due to bad past and hard time dealin. It works, side effects at 1st suck yet you'll get past that once a week or so passes. You will see promising results not only by family members, but urself. Good luck

I think Zoloft takes about three weeks to have its full effect. Hang in there, it will get better. I feel for you. How hard to have two young children and no sleep. I hope that your family is supportive. Depression can be ahrd thing for people to understand. Good luck!

J.: Almost twelve years ago I was treated for Postpartum psychosis, the most serious of postpartums. Mine began with not sleeping and escalated to full blown postpartum psychosis very quickly. I had to attend a day treatment center where I was referred after several missteps trying to find the appropriate treatment. Go to a psychologist who can monitor you and your medications. It is important to bring your spouse or close family or friend to relay to the doctor what is happening and how your personality has changed. I had a long road that was complicated by a blood clot that put me in the hospital for 9 days. But I often tell people when asked that it is important to get lots of support for you and your kids. Things can go from bad to worse when you don't get any sleep. Someone mentioned that online mom supporting moms and I think they have something at Rex if you are in Raleigh. It came along after I needed it but heard it is a great organization and the woman Anne is fabulous. Much needed when mine happened the only local source of actual postpartum help was at Duke in Durham. Hang in there. My son is almost 12 and I went on to have 2 more kids with no problems whatsoever but do think that seeing a doctor for my mental health not just my baby doctor helped me heal quicker. And also know one medicine might not work and you might have to try several or more than one.

Anxiety is no joke but for me Anti-Depressants didn't work. I had a blood test done on my hormones and they were all messed up. YAZ (a birth control pill) worked for me to get my hormones back in line. I am not saying the Zoloft won't work for you. From what I understand it takes a week or so to feel better on those drugs. If it doesn't work have your hormones checked and try YAZ. I love it!!!

I took zolaft and it really helped. I noticed a difference in about 7 days or so. If after a week you are not noticing anything you might need to increase your dosage. Meds for depression aren't like antibiotics where there is only one dose at each stage. Different doses work for different people. Dr. like to start on the lower end b/c if you respond to that then great. I was on 50mg then 75mg. I know what you mean about loving your boys, but it being overwhelming. You don't get to sleep when the baby sleeps like you did with the first. My turning point was 15 weeks. The baby was sleeping better, I was actually out of my PJs by noon. We were seeing the light...maybe b/c I was getting a little more sleep. Hope this helps. Feel free to contact me if you want to. I have a lot of experience with the different types of depression meds...I am glad I had them when it was needed, but now I am off of them. Oh, you might also increase your Vit B intake. B gives you energy and helps level hormones.