Anxiety returns after pregnancy.

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missmo

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Hi Everyone,

I have struggled with anxiety for about 10 years now. I started effexor 4 years ago and remained on it for about 2 years, after that I was able to control it without effexor. I was fine for a long time, I would have occasional panic attacks and would take ativan. I became pregnant and stopped taking ativan, but honestly I didn't need it.

I breastfed my son for a year and didn't take ativan, nor did I need it. I recently stopped breastfeeding and went back to work. I am right back to where I was 4 years ago. I am having major panic attacks and constantly get ready to go to the hospital because I think I am having a heart attack, stroke, etc etc. I have been assured it is anxiety by my doctor but each time I have an attack I think "it is different this time" and it is real. I am terrified.

I want to get pregnant in another year or so. I am really hesitant to go back on effexor but the panic attacks and general anxiety are making me miserable. Are there any other moms out there going through anything similar? Thank you
 
I'm not a mom but I am in a very similar situation. I've been on and off effexor and ativan for the last several years. My husband and I recently got married last year and we want to start trying for kiRAB. I spoke to my doctor about it and we weaned down the effexor. I was almost off it completely when my panic attacks came back full force. I'm now back on 75 mg of Effexor and ativan as needed. My doctor said it would be allright to take Effexor while pregnant, he basically said there's no use in going off the Effexor and getting pregnant when you won't be able to function, and that there are no studies that show birth defects directly related to Effexor. He did, however, recommend against taking Ativan while pregnant.

Hope that helps. It's comforting to know there is someone out there going through a similar situation. Take care!!
 
It was my experience that my anxiety was 'cured' during my pregnancy and was very controllable while breast feeding so maybe you have some hope to come off it. I mean if your doctor is saying it is ok then he knows best. I ended up taking the effexor yesterday. I couldn't function and found myself dreading work and just waiting for the next panic attack that was bound to happen. I find it so crippling and I feel like a weak person. I don't think anyone can truly understand how scary and alone you feel with this disease. Thank you for responding, good luck with everything!
 
I too suffered with Anxiety. It started after I had my third child and stopped bf after 6 months and had the house up for sale. After I stopped bf I went into a depression and had anxiety attacks. I was on Effexor at first and it seemed to make things worse so doc put me on Paxil. I also used ativan for a while then was prescribed Risperdone. After taking Paxil and risperdone, my anxiety went away as well as the depression and I was able to sleep again. The problem is now I can sleep all the time, all night, all day....if I chose to. My motivation is a bit low however has increased lately. I don't feel anxiety anymore, just stress lately as hubby is away on business for long lengths of time.
I always felt great while pregnant.... wish I could just have more babies but obviously that is not reasonable as we already have 3 children and hubby is now fixed!:dizzy:
 
I've had anxiety for 4 years, and when I was pregnant and BFing it ALL went away, now it has come back and hit me HARD. I think it weird, do you think it's hormonal?? I mean if we feel better with all the extra hormones then feel terrible when they go away. Maybe there is something to it????
 
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