Bf - seroxat, citalopram or sertraline?

[koolforcats]

Hi

I'm bfing and have just been prescribed seroxat (paroxetine) for anxiety.

I started the tablets this morning but having consulted Dr Google I'm now concerned that it might not be the best choice of meds esp. for withdrawal. I'm obviously not considering stopping yet as I've only just started but I'm wondering why I might have been prescribed these when sertraline or citalopram both sound gentler but still effective.

I need some reassurance I guess. I just want to feel better but am worried that I don't 100% know that there's not going to be an effect on DS, which makes me worry, which fuels my anxiety....vicious cycle!

I've posted this in various threads, as I wasn't sure where it should be

Sertraline is recommended in breastfeeding as there is less in the milk. I would ask for this instead.

I was under the specialist perinatal team for depression/anxiety and they were happy for me to take paroxetine whilst breast feeding. I took paroxetine as I had found it to be effective in the past. It is slightly unusual to use this as a first line treatment for the reasons you mentioned - maybe your GP chose it because of the anxiety element. It may be worth having a word with them to ask why they did so. BTW I've never had any problems with withdrawal.

Hope you feel better soon.

I was put on Fluoxitine and moved onto certraline when they realised I'm still bfing

Thanks all, so much, for the quick responses. Jolly did you find it helped you? I'm interested that you say it's an unusual first line. Is it considered to be quite hardcore? I think it is, as you suggested, because my symptoms are more heavily weighted towards anxiety rather than depression. Thanks for the withdrawal reassurance too.

sertraline is generally considered the best I think. but it's always a balance of risks vs benefits for you and the babe.

Hi kool I don't think paroxetine is stronger than the others as such. I think it's fallen out of favour because of the concerns regarding withdrawal. I have taken both sertraline and paroxetine in the past and found paroxetine was much better for my anxiety. Both can be used when breast feeding.

Afaik, sertraline is safe in bfing, and is also often prescribed where there is anxiety. Perhaps ask for a telephone consultation with your gp? I have done this before with queries about changes in medication, and it is easy for them to leave a prescription at reception for you.

At the very least the dr can give you his reasoning behind prescribing this for you of they have decided this is the best option, and reassure you of its safety?

Thanks jolly and mummys. I'm guessing that as my symptoms were more weighted towards anxiety than depression, paroxetine seemed like the best choice. But yes, I will have another chat through with my GP. I have a good relationship with her and believe she'd choose the most appropriate thing for me but of course ultimately she said its my choice. I was put on a low (10mg) starting dose with a follow up appt in 2 weeks to increase the dose. So I doubt that two week's worth will do too much withdrawal harm if I end up changing. I was on fluoxetine many years ago and didn't ever have an issue coming off that, although I don't know if it has a reputation for withdrawal like paroxetine. Thanks again for your input.