Diazipam - any midwives or similar on here please?

[faintpinkline]

This morning I finally went to see emergency GP as I felt so terrible with general depression and awful painful tear inducing headache.

I was so upset he prescribed me with diazipam. I posted about it in chat earlier but was so upset I didn't make much sense.

I don't feel comfortable taking this while pregnant. As far as I can tell it helps you sleep - which at the moment is one thing I do not have problems with. From what i can see its not good for the baby and I'm not convinced it will be good for me.

I think GP wanted to get crying woman out of his surgery and considered a prescription the best way to do it. Not sure what to do about taking it or not. Can anyone advise please?

Im 11 weeks pregnant by the way

Faintpinkline I can completely relate to this post... In my previous pregnancy I suffered from ante natal depression and I was at my wits end at one point which was when the Dr prescribed Diazepam for me. I only took it for a few days (I think) and always before bed time. It just helped relax me especially as they eased my panic attacks!
I was never really over it until my DD was born but it really helped me at my lowest, after that I made sure I talked to people about how I was feeling etc. I really would give them a go and if you're not happy with it or feel they are not helping then stop taking them and speak to your Dr again or your MW.

I really hope you feel better soon! It is such a lonely illness and it's made all the worse when you're pregnant because it's such a wonderful stage of your life.

Oh poor you. I also suffered with antenatal depression all through my first pregnancy and it really is awful. Try to tell yourself that you WILL get better as a kind of mantra, even if the depression tells you otherwise. Like Vinolover, mine lifted when my boy was born.

Have taken diazepam outside pregnancy for anxiety and it did help. When pregnant however I was prescribed amitriptyline at the very end to help me sleep when I really was at my lowest point. My depressions always cause pretty major insomnia. Swimming and walking also helped me and talking as Vinolover says. I had to force myself though.

Take best care. You will get better.

Poor thing!
Diazepam helps with anxiety and can calm you down and help you sleep.

It isn't an antidepressant though and will be like taking paracetamol for a cold - it might make you feel a bit better but won't alter the underlying problem.

It does increase the risk of oral cleft defects slightly if taken in the first trimester and there are some other problems later on. Its something you'd only want to take short term (even if you weren't pregnant) for lots of other reasons. If you can, it would probably be something I'd avoid.

But don't give up hope! Have you been depressed for some weeks? If so then there are antidepressants that are considered safe to take in pregnancy although they aren't an instant fix as they can take a week or two before they start to work. There are some side effects you may get and some (fairly rare) risks for the baby that your GP should tell you about - but being depressed is no good for you or the baby. Ask about fluoxetine and amitriptylline, fluoxetine is the most commonly prescribed. Also CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) is really effective either by itself or in combination with antidepressants. You can find out about it and even start an online course of CBT at www.livinglifetothefull.com. Its free and has some evidence base it works. If possible see if your GP will refer you to someone for CBT.

I was a bit worried you are feeling so bad you needed the emergency doctor and hope you are feeling somewhat better now. Is someone at home with you or are you on your own? Definitely see your own GP tomorrow and really hope you feel better soon.

Hi - sorry you are struggling. If how you are continues, antidepressants seem to be considered more safe, and more long-lasting, than diazepam. I was told not to take diazepam as would need it more than just for a few days, hence a low dose antidepressants, which can also be used for breastfeeding safely. Might be worth booking to see your normal Gp?

Thank you.

I have not picked up the prescription but I will go and see my own doctor. I am not sure I want to take diazipam.

DP and I talked last night and identified a number of issues causing me stress which we can find practical solutions to and some that we can't and we're going to try to find ways of implementing solutions where we can. Sadly one of these involves locking the kitten in one room as she refuses to either use litter tray or go outside and as a result I'm cleaning up cat poo all the time when dp is working away (may sound minor but is really getting on top of me). Still have to clean it up but at least its not on carpet.

My headache seems to have subsided to a dull ache which is a huge relief.

Have to say when GP said ante-natal depression I was so relieved. I thought I was just going mad at at a time I'm meant to be so happy

Glad to hear you're ok and sounds like your GP is helping. It is a relief to know what's wrong - and that its treatable! Hope you start to feel better soon :)