Anti Depressants?

Hi everyone,
I have a question, has anyone taken or considered taking antidepressants whilst doing IVF. I have always been a very positive person, at least until my TTC journey began 4 years ago. As time has gone by, I feel that I have become more and more obsessive and TTC is always on my mind. It doesn't help that my work is very quiet and I have endless amounts of time to read TTC forums and goole etc. I am very aware of my behaviour and my thinking and am trying to alliviate this, I read, walk, do yoga, mediate every day, go to acupunture twice a week, but my obsession with this never wanes (and I think has become worse since I decided to take a break from IVF until next year, as I don't have the IVF process and schdule to keep me focused).

I had a bit of a crying rant and rave to my mum yesterday, and she has said that she is worried I might be falling into depression. I have good days and bad days, but always the constant thinking and sadness re TTC. I just want to stop thinking about it but can't.

She has suggested I ask FS about anti depressants. My DH says all I need to do is 'be strong'.

Has anyone else been in this situation? Your thoughts would be much appreciated. Hugs xx

Perhaps taking them for a period before your next cycle will help. I've only ever been on them in three month stints and never needed to go beyond that. I think you are doing great things by meditating and doing AP etc and this is all really helpful. Talk to your AP about how you're feeling and consider seeing a natropath too.

Gee it's hard isn't it. And it does wear you down...sorry you are in this place and have had to go through all this. Like you, I also feel pretty obsessed by TTC, and I also read, do yoga, go to the gym, go for long walks with the dogs and really do my best to try and help myself, and find acceptance and find hope and positivity etc...while also letting myself be down sometimes too, to grieve. But even then, it sort of hangs over me.
I guess it's hard to define whether you are lapsing into depression... pretty easy for that to happen, given the strain of the circumstances, and sometimes 'being strong' isn't enough. Although, other times crying and having a rant is a natural resposne every now and then.

That said, I've taken anti-depressants in the past, and I would not take them personally while TTC. Perhaps talk to a psych to help ...I just wouldn't want those drugs in my body when TTC. hugs to you

p.s. I also have acupuncture and see a naturopath...he has put me on some wonderful natural remedies to help with emotional stress...so maybe that could be another natural option for you

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!

BW

i hope they dont try and stop me from taking my pills or i will be think yukky thoughts again about killing my self

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.

Hoping you are okay xxx

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

these's are my pills EFEXOR-XR 150

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