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Starting antidepressants - could do with some support!

1 reply

Makingachange2019 · 20/07/2020 16:23

I've just spoken to a GP as I'm desperate for some help. I've struggled with depression and high anxiety since my dc was born 5 years ago.

I can't live like this anymore, so I've asked for help.

She kept trying to talk me out of accepting medication. I explained I've waited 5 years and I finally feel now is the time. I had to practically beg for them.

She kept saying its difficult as I'm breastfeeding my dd so it makes things difficult and she was going all through her books trying to find something suitable. I said I thought it was common for new mums with pnd to have antidepressants, so I thought it would be OK? She said in these circumstances, the mum usually discontinues breastfeeding.

I've come off the phone feeling a mess. I honestly thought I'd feel like a weight had been lifted asking for help, but I feel worse. Like I had to justify having them. I can't function, I can't leave the house, I can't sleep. I snap at my dh and dc constantly. I can't live like this.

Anyway, she's prescribed me Paroxetine. She said it's the safest one for breastfeeding. Does anyone have any experiences on this please? Thanks

OP posts:
Frizzy1986 · 20/07/2020 22:05

I didn't want to read and run.
I can't offer any direct advice I'm afraid but I have read that Paroxetine is one of the ones they would go for as it has shown minimal effects on the infant.

I hope that you find benefit from taking them. I took Fluoxetine for around 12-18 months a few years ago and after about 2 months there was a real difference in how I felt and dealt with life. Yes, there were times when it made me numb to things but that was better than what I had been feeling.
I'm no longer taking anything, but am having CBT after falling back into a bad place recently. I'm hoping to avoid meds for now, but I will see how CBT goes. I'm due to stop breastfeeding when I return to work in September so I've got some time.
Stay strong, you are doing amazing!

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