I was on medication for anxiety and depression before I started IVF. Various different events in the IVF process have had me increase the medication, and at other times I've been perfectly fine to decrease the dose...
You do need to be careful about which one you take. Some are better than others, and the one I'm on is ok in pregnancy, just so long as I wean off before birth.
It's a touch process to get through, and if your brain chemistry is messed up it just makes it harder... and some would say that the extreme levels of stress and depression can make it harder for things to work. There's been times where if I wasn't already on medication, my FS would have put me on it anyway!
I am currently on anti-depressant medication (Cypromil). I have been on them for the last two months and feel like a completely different person to who I was before I started taking them. I have been able to go back to work and function normally, whereas before I wasn't able to work a full day and broke down at the tiniest thing. This infertility stuff can really wear you down and I became suicidal and was having a nervous breakdown.
You do need to be careful about what medication you are prescribed. I spoke with my clinic about it all and they recommended Cypromil because it is safe to take while pregnant, and a lot of their girls are actually on this drug. I have continued with treatment and had a FET last cycle. Unfortunately it was unsuccessful but the clinic have said that the medication should not have any effect on our efforts.
It's good to know there are anti-depressants you can take if pregnant, if you are in need of them- i had never looked into it and always try for the natural approach when I can...but I know, having been there before, that when things actually get out of balance in your brain, sometimes you need more
Hi lovely ladies, thanks so much for your responses. OMG it is so hard and my heart goes out to you all, hope you stay strong and positive and which ever way you choose is the right one for you. I will have a really good think about this, see how I go and maybe book in to see the counsellor. I asked my FS today what his thoughts were about IVF and anti depressants and he said he is not too keen on mixing the drugs, but would be best if I saw the counsellor for her to diagnose whether I have depression. I certainly feel depressed quite a lot, but I don't know if I would say I have 'depression', if this makes sense. Oh this is all just so hard. I have a plan now for my next cycle, and I guess this is giving me something to work towards, and it is so much better than this endless waiting and not doing anything. I really thought I could handle a wait, take a break and not think about it, but that has so 'not' happened. So back on the rollercoaster as soon as I can. Thanks again for your thoughts, big hugs xx
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