Mom of 3 Has Anyone Been on Meds for Anxiety Before?

I was on prozac for anxiety before, during, and after my pregnancy. It wasn't due to having children or that I was depressed. I grew up being an adult child of an alcoholic and anxiety was a symptom for me. I tried to deal with it on my own through therapy, relaxation tapes, etc. Nothing worked. I preferred not to take anti-anxiety medications, but gave in. Let me tell you that it was one of the best decisions that I ever made. I become very irritable and anxious too right before my period..about a week before. It is definitely a hormonal thing. Prozac took the edge off and helped me feel a lot calmer and saner. I starting taking prozac in the 2nd trimester of my pregnancy because I was having bad anxiety attacks. My baby came out healthy & I am okay. I have come to the conclusion that coping on my own may not be enough and that it is okay to take medication to help. I have been off the prozac for 6 months now & doing fine. It is all about having the right tools, positive thinking, journaling, and having a good support system. Good luck!

Sounds just like me. 2 or 3 days before my period.. i feel really anxious.. (that's how I know I'm usually getting it). I feel a little freaked out, kind of short with the kids... and just overall anxious. My doctor told me to try Motrin. 2 pills every 6 - 8 hours until I get my period.. well guess what - it really works. The anxious feeling goes away!! Try it this month and see how you feel. I also have xanax - I carry around with me. Xanax is good because you just take it if you are really upset or worried or anxious. It's not an everyday pill like other things. I use maybe 1/2 pill once a month. It's really helpful too. Good luck... A.~~

Hi,

They told me the same thing. I just didn't feel I needed something for everyday. They gave me Xanax and it definitely does the trick and I only take it when I feel I have to. I highly recommend It.Good luck to you :)

Having 3 young children, who wouldn't be anxious? You can't relax because any minute the baby will put something he shouldn't in his mouth and the older ones will climbing up on something or playing with the electronics. Many people say just having the pills in their purse is enough, knowing that they're there, w/o having to actually take them. And if you need to take them, that's ok too. I used to take special PMS vitamins that really helped a lot, I think they have them at most drugstores. You have to take care of yourself or else you won't be able to take care of your kids.

Dear D.,

Yes I did take medication at one point in my life. I did take an antidepressant for a while. Even though I was not depressed it did help with the anxiety I was having. It was so strange when I was in my thirties it just came out of nowhere, I would worry all of the time about everything, I couldn't sleep well, became fearful of everything I didn't know what hit me. I went to many doctors and they gave me the same old comment "Whats going on at home" My answer was where do I start!!! I had a happy marriage two wonderful kids, yes my life was hectic but I was not unhappy. I think my body went through some type of chemical imbalance due to hormones because after a few months of being on medication I got my life back. I took medication for a few years and slowly got off. I am now 49 years old and feel great. I will say you can not depend on medication alone you have to do some work on yourself. I had to learn to relax, not worry when everything did not get done (I am a perfectionist also) and delegate chores to my family instead of trying to do everything myself. I was also a stay at home mom who took care of my ailing father-in-law so I did have a lot on my plate. Please do not think that taking medication is a sign of weakness. I am a very strong, independent women and this was just something no matter how hard I tried I couldn't shake it so I knew it was something also physical with me. I am not the type of person who will medicate themselves just not to cope. I just don't think you should suffer with this right now and you seem to be around the same age I was when it hit me. I truly think it could be your hormones right now. The reason why I didn't take Zanax is because it can be highly addictive so be careful what medications you try. I hope you feel better I know how difficult this can be. Good luck!!