Are you a new mom? At a time when you should feel like you have all the happiness in the world, do you sometimes feel sad, lonely, or angry? Do you cry for no reason? Do you feel guilty about it all? You are not alone. Many new moms struggle with these feelings. We call this condition Postpartum Depression . The best decision you made was to seek help from a doctor. It is nothing to be ashamed of or hide.
The doctor will talk to you and explain the different ways to treat this condition. He may also refer you to counseling. He will also talk to you about antidepressants , which can help you feel better and get back to your normal life. Today, we will talk about these medications.
How do these antidepressants work?
Simply put, our brains contain chemical messengers that control our emotions, such as happiness, sadness, and anger. In medical terms, we call these neurotransmitters. Think of them as little postmen. They carry messages from one part of the brain to another. In conditions like postpartum depression, the balance of these messengers is disrupted. Either their quantity decreases, or their function becomes impaired.
The antidepressants that your doctor prescribes work by restoring the balance of these disrupted messengers . There are many types of these medications. Each type of medication works on a different type of messenger. That's why the same medication doesn't work for everyone. Your doctor will assess your condition and choose the medication that's right for you.
The most important thing is patience. You won't see results immediately after taking this medicine. It may take a few weeks, maybe a month or two, to feel completely better. So, be patient and use the medicine exactly as your doctor tells you.
What are these medications?
Antidepressants can be divided into two main categories: new and old types. Doctors usually try new drugs first because they have relatively fewer side effects.
| Newer Antidepressants | |
|---|---|
| Generic Name of the Medicine | Brand Names |
| Sertraline | (Zoloft) |
| Escitalopram | (Lexapro) |
| Fluoxetine | (Prozac, Sarafem) |
| Paroxetine | (Paxil, Pexeva) |
| Bupropion | (Wellbutrin, Zyban) |
In some cases, if these medications do not produce the desired results, the doctor may resort to older medications.
| Older Antidepressants | |
|---|---|
| Generic Name of the Medicine | Brand Names |
| Amitriptyline | (Elavil) |
| Desipramine | (Norpramin) |
| Doxepin | (Sinequan) |
What are the side effects of medication?
Like any medicine, these medicines can cause some side effects. But these do not happen to everyone. Only some people do. And many of these side effects gradually disappear as you continue using the medicine.
Possible side effects of new medications
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness
- Insomnia or restlessness
- Decreased sexual desire
- Weight gain or loss
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Dry mouth
Side effects seen in old medications
- Dry mouth and eyes
- Blurry vision
- Constipation
- Difficulty urinating
- Excessive fatigue and drowsiness
- Increased appetite and weight gain
- Dizziness when standing
If you experience one or more of these side effects, talk to your doctor immediately without stopping the medication. He or she may change the dose or switch you to another medication.
Can I take this medicine while breastfeeding?
This is the biggest question a new mother has. It's normal to have fears like, "If I take this medicine, will it pass to my baby through my milk? Will it harm the baby?"
The good news is that most antidepressants pass into breast milk in very small amounts . Research has shown that these small amounts do not have any harmful effects on the baby.
However, this is very important. If you are breastfeeding, you should definitely tell your doctor . He or she can then choose the safest medicine for both you and your baby. Never start or stop taking any medicine without first asking your doctor.
Is medication alone enough?
Medicine is only one part of this journey. If you do a few other things along with medicine, you can get better faster.
1. Counseling: Even if your doctor prescribes medication, it's still worth attending counseling sessions. It's a great relief to talk about your thoughts and feelings with a trusted professional.
2. Take care of yourself (Self-care): You may forget about yourself while taking care of your baby. But you can only take good care of your baby if you are well.
- Sleep: Take a nap whenever possible. Sleep when your baby sleeps. Get help from family members.
- Exercise: No need for a lot of exercise. A 15-20 minute walk in the yard and some light stretching will suffice.
- Good food: Eat a nutritious diet. Don't skip meals.
- Fun: Find some time to do something you enjoy. Listen to a song, read a book, talk to a friend.
- Relief: Take a hot bath. Talk to your husband, your mother, or someone you trust.
Postpartum Depression is not a weakness on your part. It is a condition that can be completely cured with treatment. With the right medical advice, medication, and the support of your loved ones, you can overcome this difficult time.
Take-Home Message
- Postpartum depression is a real condition that needs to be treated, not your fault or weakness.
- Antidepressants help you recover by restoring the balance of chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) in the brain.
- It takes several weeks for these medications to take effect, so be patient and take the medication exactly as your doctor tells you.
- If you are breastfeeding, be sure to tell your doctor . He or she will provide you with the safest option for you and your baby.
- Along with medication, counseling, and doing things like getting enough sleep and eating a nutritious diet can speed up your recovery.
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