I'm depressed and have been told to go on antidepressants by my dr. Only problem is, i'm still breastfeeding my 1 year old and I really enjoy this special time with my baby. I don't really want to go on antidepressants now as they go through your breastmilk. I want to hear from people who have been on them, do they work? How long do they take to work? Did you do it while breastfeeding? This depression is affecting my family life big time. I'm rarely happy so I need to do something. I only want to go on antidepressants if I'm reassured that they actually work. Please help me.
I take Fluvoxamine and have been taking it since my daughter was 6 months old. Antidepressants do work, but not immediately, and there is no guarantee that the first one you try will work with your body chemistry and be effective. Your GP will usually start you on the lowest dose of an SSRI medication (which is safest for breastfeeding) and visit with you every two weeks to assess the effect of the medication and the extent of the side-effects you may be having, slowly raising the dosage to find the level it is functional in your body. Some people find it immediately effective (I was one of the lucky one's) but others have to go through a longer process of finding relief.
I found that I needed to weigh up the emotional impact my depression was having on my daughter with the potential negative side-effects of her being exposed to medication. That's a question only you can answer. I found that I needed to have medication intervene for me before I could make the lifestyle changes that were necessary to manage the disease. But I was revoltingly depressed, I couldn't get out of bed at all and I was only a crusty scum on the kitchen floor away from being able to go on "How Clean is your House?". Every persons situation is different (I don't want to come across like I'm saying you should go for meds!).
If you do decide to give the medication a try, have a read on Dr. Hale's forums. He is the leading authority on the safety of medications in breastfeeding and runs a questions forum for medical professionals which the general public can view. You might have to work out the brand name your medication goes under in the US (google it) but I found it an invaluable resource. If you want more reassurance, ask your doctor to email Dr. Hale directly, or to post a question in his forum. He is a busy man, but he does answer all his correspondence.
I too am depressed. I want to avoid pills also. I will go swimming every week, starting this saturday. I think that excersize gives a natural high that last longer. I will see whether it makes a difference and let you know.
I am breastfeeding too. Whenever I need to take medication I call the pharmacy at King Edward Hospital -the main maternity hospital in the state I live in. Not sure where you are located but you may like to talk to the pharmacy at the main maternity hospital near you.
i had to go on antidepressants soon after having my daughter and i went on i think its called aropax? that one doesnt cross over, just tell your doc u are breastfeeding and he/she should give you one that doesnt affect the baby.
good luck hun i know the feeeling.
xxx nat
Check with your Pharmacy if you know which anti depressants he's put you on, they will give you best advice about breatfeeding whilst on the medication.
My advice would be to take the medication because in the long run it will be the best thing for you and your family, check my advice on depression.
Take care and I wish you well, hope you feel better soon. x
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