Re: Celexa during pregnancy (w/response)

[Guest guest]

<<That makes sense . I went on depression medicine after a seperated

from my husband about 2 years ago. They gave me a low dose of prozac, but I

hated it and went off without telling the doctor. Side effects were the same as

when I went off and then stopped after a few days.

Depression round two, I went back on Meds, just overwhellmed and depressed

again. This time Celexa was prescribed. Again it worked well, but still I had

depression so I went off of it.

Depression round three, I moved back in with my husband, and the relationship is

still a lot of work and stressful, doctor put me back on and raised dose.

Medicine worked, but made me very tired all day. I, again with out help of

doctor, went back to the 20 mg dose and did fine for two weeks, one day I forgot

to take the pill so decided to go cold turkey. I experienced the worst residual

side effects ever. Brain zaps, dizzy, headaches, groggy head, nausea, etc. So

doctor put me back on full dose and I decided to follow his guidance, and stay

on for a while. Did good one month then found out I was pregnant.

In answer to your other questions, I take meds for asthma (Advair) reflux

(Zygerid) and the 20 mg Celexa daily. I am taking two children's vitamins

daily, since prenatal's make me sick. I am craving carbs, and having morning

sickness, but trying to eat healthy (proteins, veggies, fruit, whole grain) I

can not stomach my morning coffee, so I am diluting it with half milk. I can try

to give you a detailed list if you need it, but I haven't been keeping track of

meals.

I am experiencing some anxiety and depression, but again I dropped the dose in

half at OB/GYN request. Ironically I was off meds when I got pregnant, sure

wish I had known then, I would have fought the symptoms to stay off for the

baby.

I appreciate your quick response. >>

** Hi CJ,

I can make some general suggestions but given the pregnancy, I am

uncomfortable doing much more than that. There are too many risks with these

drugs and pregnancy.

So, in keeping with my honesty is best policy and feeling like people have a

right to know the facts, you're taking a fairly large risk taking one of these

drugs and caring a child. I don't know your beliefs but I would think about not

going through with the pregnancy. While you may be willing to deal with a child

who has medical issues, the child doesn't get a choice. Also, you indicate

stress in your marriage. Children bring more stress into a relationship and

make it more difficult.

As long as we're on the topic of marriage, think about it. You are dealing

with marital problems by drugging yourself. You don't need an antidepressant,

you need to look at what's going on and decide if it makes sense to stay in

something so stressful. You can take an antidepressant for 10 years. It's not

going to change your marriage. The same issues (and more) will be there. It

will only hurt your body and possibly those of any unborn children. Numbing

yourself out is not the solution. You need every bit of yourself to be strong

enough to face the answer.

It is a poor idea to " fight the symptoms " . This will only make you much

worse. It's not a matter of being tough. You can't beat it by being tough.

People become disabled by doing this.

I hope you understand that while difficult to hear, I don't think it's fair to

not give people the facts.

Morning sickness happens to people who are deficient in omega-3 fatty acids,

magnesium and Vit D2 & D3. Asthma also is exacerbated by nutrient deficiencies,

magnesium in particular. 65% of Americans are magnesium deficient.

Children's vitamins are not appropriate for you. How about instead of prenatal

you just take an adult whole foods vitamin and mineral supplement?

Regards,