Post-partum hormone /medication issues

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by J. M. on November 21, 2009 at 4:40pm

I highly recommend the book "Is it you, me, or adult add?" by gina pera - she covers A LOT about meds and very up-to-date stuff.

ALSO it's SO VITAL to get a psychiatrist that is WELL VERSED with adult add - not just knows a little about it. A lot of doctors still are in the dark about the true effects of adult add and how it can masquerade as depression, anxiety, etc.

ALSO if the aderrall isn't working for you there are a lot of new options that work differently with the brain.

Are you doing meditation/yoga/breathing regularly and exercising too? My husband is VERY VERY ADHD and without meds, exercise, meditation, and a conscious effort to be present he can be VERY difficult to be around. With all those things in place he's the dream man....

Anyway hope this helps!!! I'm not an expert but I have a husband, mother, father, biological father, brother, grandfather, and boss that are ADD so have learned A LOT about living with it.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Jen on November 22, 2009 at 11:25am

Thanks JM,
I have not read that book, but I have read a lot of other books on the subject. I've heard really good things about that book, so I'll have to check it out.

I COMPLETELY agree with you on the importance of yoga, excercise and consciously staying present. Those three things were particularly paramount for me while pregnant since I couldn't take meds. My husband is also ADD, and he has just started doing yoga. It's taken me almost 10 years to convince him that it will help him.

I totally relate to you in terms of living with people w/ADHD. The majority of my family has it, although some refuse to admit it. That's the most frustrating part for me. Once I was diagnosed and started working with my ADHD as opposed to denying it and fighting anything that resembled structure, things became much easier. Medication is not a fix-all by any means, but for me, it makes things easier.

Growing up "in a tornado" as you so accurately described it in another post is NOT fun. I am determined to provide a calm environment for my kids, and for myself. I am working now to get my meds straight. I went to a new dr last week, so I'm hopeful
that once I get back on a good regimen, things will improve. I might need to pick your brain on living with a partner w/ ADHD. Personally, I think that is almost harder than living with the disorder myself.

Thanks again for the response!
Jen
J. M. said:

I highly recommend the book "Is it you, me, or adult add?" by gina pera - she covers A LOT about meds and very up-to-date stuff.

ALSO it's SO VITAL to get a psychiatrist that is WELL VERSED with adult add - not just knows a little about it. A lot of doctors still are in the dark about the true effects of adult add and how it can masquerade as depression, anxiety, etc.

ALSO if the aderrall isn't working for you there are a lot of new options that work differently with the brain.

Are you doing meditation/yoga/breathing regularly and exercising too? My husband is VERY VERY ADHD and without meds, exercise, meditation, and a conscious effort to be present he can be VERY difficult to be around. With all those things in place he's the dream man....

Anyway hope this helps!!! I'm not an expert but I have a husband, mother, father, biological father, brother, grandfather, and boss that are ADD so have learned A LOT about living with it.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by J. M. on November 22, 2009 at 1:36pm

Anytime, Jen! I love having my brain picked :)

I agree with you that being the partner vs. the one with ADD can seem more difficult at times. It's sort of signing yourself up for a lifetime of being "the grown up" one... But as I'm sure you know, with the meds and exercise and all that it's like night and day. Plus there's hope for even more improvement, unlike when people don't want to admit they have it. When I first met my husband over 5 years ago it was SO OBVIOUS to me he's ADD but he didn't know really much about it and denied it for over a year. But my mom (who is a counselor and has very similar ADD to him) described what it's like to be in her head to him and about how ADD works in the brain ... I guess hearing it from someone other than his girlfriend helped.

Anyway please let me know what questions you have I'd be happy to give you any feedback :)

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Gina Pera on December 1, 2009 at 12:26am

Hi Jen,
Sounds like you have your hands full!

If you have ADHD, it can be tricky to take an SSRI (e.g. Zoloft) without also taking a stimulant. In fact, it can exacerbate ADHD symptoms.

Remember that Strattera takes a while to build up in the system, but also, it's not a first-line medication for ADHD. Meaning, stimulants are usually considered first or used in conjunction with Strattera. Most people I know just don't get the full coverage for ADHD symptoms from Strattera though many report that it helps with mood.

Adderall makes many people irritable. But there are many other choices, including Vyvanse (longer acting amphetamine, like Adderall) and various methylphenidate options (Daytrana patch, Concerta, Focalin, etc.).

I just read a post about menstrual cycle and ADHD meds on this excellent blog:
http://adhd-treatment-options.blogspot.com/2009/05/why-menstrual-cycle-may-affect-adhd.html

I also recommend Dr. Charles Parker's website for great info on meds: http://www.corepsychblog.com
You can sign up to receive a free PDF on overcoming problems with ADHD meds here: http://www.corepsychblog.com/adhdbook

People with ADHD who get the best results are those who are are like you -- pro-active and not afraid of researching. If your doc was dismissive of your ADHD issues, keep on looking for one who isn't. You have two young children who are depending on you (and there is your sanity to consider! lol!), so any doctor worth his/her salt won't need you to explain that!

good luck!
Gina

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Maureen on December 1, 2009 at 9:39am

Dear Jen,
I had the same problem with getting back on meds after having my daughter. (She is 10 now -- there is hope!). I was on Zoloft and Wellbutrin before pregnancy, and also stopped meds during the pregnancy. When I tried to get back on the meds the side effects completely knocked me out. I couldn't even tolerate 5 mg. of Prozac.

Thankfully, I was seeing a psychiatrist who specialized in post-partum depression, so he understood and believed me when I told him of my side effects. He had me take liquid Prozac in a dropper -- starting with 1 mg. and working up to 5 mg. It worked wonders.

I was diagnosed with ADHD when my daughter was 6 months old, and I also didn't do well with the Adderall. But I found that I tolerated Dexedrine better.

I am on a totally different regimen now, but for a few years after having my daughter I was VERY med sensitive, and very small doses were effective for me.

I hope this helps -- my best to you!

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Jen on December 1, 2009 at 9:17pm

Thanks Gina,

Since writing this post, I had an appt w/ a new dr. She ran extensive bloodwork to rule out any major hormonal issues (everything was fine) and now I've been on 40 mg Strattera for a little over a month. My mood is MUCH better, but I'm still struggling with concentration, procrastination & follow-through. When I go back, I'm going to talk to her about adding a stimulant because I know it will help. Unfortunately, I have not had much luck finding a dr with much knowledge of adult ADHD in my area. But...this last dr was very forthcoming about her lack of experience with treating adult ADHD and seemed very open to working WITH me. So, I'm somewhat encouraged.

I appreciate the references, and I will definitely check them out. I've also heard excellent things about your book, and I plan to pick up a copy soon.

Thanks again for responding!
Jen

Gina Pera said:

Hi Jen,
Sounds like you have your hands full!

If you have ADHD, it can be tricky to take an SSRI (e.g. Zoloft) without also taking a stimulant. In fact, it can exacerbate ADHD symptoms.

Remember that Strattera takes a while to build up in the system, but also, it's not a first-line medication for ADHD. Meaning, stimulants are usually considered first or used in conjunction with Strattera. Most people I know just don't get the full coverage for ADHD symptoms from Strattera though many report that it helps with mood.

Adderall makes many people irritable. But there are many other choices, including Vyvanse (longer acting amphetamine, like Adderall) and various methylphenidate options (Daytrana patch, Concerta, Focalin, etc.).

I just read a post about menstrual cycle and ADHD meds on this excellent blog:
http://adhd-treatment-options.blogspot.com/2009/05/why-menstrual-cycle-may-affect-adhd.html

I also recommend Dr. Charles Parker's website for great info on meds: http://www.corepsychblog.com
You can sign up to receive a free PDF on overcoming problems with ADHD meds here: http://www.corepsychblog.com/adhdbook

People with ADHD who get the best results are those who are are like you -- pro-active and not afraid of researching. If your doc was dismissive of your ADHD issues, keep on looking for one who isn't. You have two young children who are depending on you (and there is your sanity to consider! lol!), so any doctor worth his/her salt won't need you to explain that!

good luck!
Gina

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Gina Pera on December 1, 2009 at 10:11pm

HI Jen,

You know, given the paucity of truly expert docs treating ADHD (especially in women), sometimes the best alternative is identifying a skilled and compassionate physician who carefully reviews all the other metabolic issues (thyroid, hormones, etc.) AND will work with you in finding a medication regimen that works. It sounds like you've found such a doc, so congrats!

In fact, even with the most expert ADHD docs, you still have to advocate for yourself and "be a detective" in your life, keeping logs and offering clues as to what's working and what's not. So, sometimes it's better to find a doc who is willing to learn and doesn't have so much, um, ego, about what is supposed to work (but might not in your case).

Jen said:

Thanks Gina,

Since writing this post, I had an appt w/ a new dr. She ran extensive bloodwork to rule out any major hormonal issues (everything was fine) and now I've been on 40 mg Strattera for a little over a month. My mood is MUCH better, but I'm still struggling with concentration, procrastination & follow-through. When I go back, I'm going to talk to her about adding a stimulant because I know it will help. Unfortunately, I have not had much luck finding a dr with much knowledge of adult ADHD in my area. But...this last dr was very forthcoming about her lack of experience with treating adult ADHD and seemed very open to working WITH me. So, I'm somewhat encouraged.

I appreciate the references, and I will definitely check them out. I've also heard excellent things about your book, and I plan to pick up a copy soon.

Thanks again for responding!
Jen

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Gina Pera on December 1, 2009 at 10:14pm

Hey, thanks J.M.!

You are so right: the needs of the children of adults with unaddressed ADHD are woefully overlooked. I had hoped that other family members, not just the partners, would find my book helpful in that regard. So, I'm happy to hear you did.

best,
Gina

J. M. said:

I highly recommend the book "Is it you, me, or adult add?" by gina pera - she covers A LOT about meds and very up-to-date stuff.

ALSO it's SO VITAL to get a psychiatrist that is WELL VERSED with adult add - not just knows a little about it. A lot of doctors still are in the dark about the true effects of adult add and how it can masquerade as depression, anxiety, etc.

ALSO if the aderrall isn't working for you there are a lot of new options that work differently with the brain.

Are you doing meditation/yoga/breathing regularly and exercising too? My husband is VERY VERY ADHD and without meds, exercise, meditation, and a conscious effort to be present he can be VERY difficult to be around. With all those things in place he's the dream man....

Anyway hope this helps!!! I'm not an expert but I have a husband, mother, father, biological father, brother, grandfather, and boss that are ADD so have learned A LOT about living with it.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Jen on December 5, 2009 at 11:30am

Thanks Maureen,

It's always helpful to hear from someone who has been through a similar situation. I was blown away by how differently my body seemed to handle the same medication after pregnancy. Trying to get on a medication regimen is such trial and error.

I think I'm moving in the right direction now. I'm taking Strattera, and I definitely feel better, so with a little more tweaking, I'm hopeful that I'll be funtioning much better very soon.

Thanks again!
Jen

Maureen said:

Dear Jen,
I had the same problem with getting back on meds after having my daughter. (She is 10 now -- there is hope!). I was on Zoloft and Wellbutrin before pregnancy, and also stopped meds during the pregnancy. When I tried to get back on the meds the side effects completely knocked me out. I couldn't even tolerate 5 mg. of Prozac.

Thankfully, I was seeing a psychiatrist who specialized in post-partum depression, so he understood and believed me when I told him of my side effects. He had me take liquid Prozac in a dropper -- starting with 1 mg. and working up to 5 mg. It worked wonders.

I was diagnosed with ADHD when my daughter was 6 months old, and I also didn't do well with the Adderall. But I found that I tolerated Dexedrine better.

I am on a totally different regimen now, but for a few years after having my daughter I was VERY med sensitive, and very small doses were effective for me.

I hope this helps -- my best to you!

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Gina Pera on December 5, 2009 at 1:35pm

Jen,

One more thought: You've probably already discussed this with your physician. But, as I'm sure you know, babies can take many nutrients from the mother's body, leaving her depleted unless careful steps are taken to replenish -- especially with two babies.

Nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, iodine, B vitamins, Vitamin D, and all the rest can make a huge difference in the quantity and quality of neurotransmitters -- and how medications work in the brain.

Of course, there's the hormonal post-delivery shifts, too. But I think sometimes that's seen as the sole cause and often the nutritional aspects are overlooked.

good luck!
g

Jen said:

Thanks Maureen,
It's always helpful to hear from someone who has been through a similar situation. I was blown away by how differently my body seemed to handle the same medication after pregnancy. Trying to get on a medication regimen is such trial and error.
I think I'm moving in the right direction now. I'm taking Strattera, and I definitely feel better, so with a little more tweaking, I'm hopeful that I'll be funtioning much better very soon.

Thanks again!
Jen

Maureen said:

Dear Jen,
I had the same problem with getting back on meds after having my daughter. (She is 10 now -- there is hope!). I was on Zoloft and Wellbutrin before pregnancy, and also stopped meds during the pregnancy. When I tried to get back on the meds the side effects completely knocked me out. I couldn't even tolerate 5 mg. of Prozac.

Thankfully, I was seeing a psychiatrist who specialized in post-partum depression, so he understood and believed me when I told him of my side effects. He had me take liquid Prozac in a dropper -- starting with 1 mg. and working up to 5 mg. It worked wonders.

I was diagnosed with ADHD when my daughter was 6 months old, and I also didn't do well with the Adderall. But I found that I tolerated Dexedrine better.

I am on a totally different regimen now, but for a few years after having my daughter I was VERY med sensitive, and very small doses were effective for me.

I hope this helps -- my best to you!

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Heather B. on December 8, 2009 at 12:12pm

Hi,

I'm not postpartum, anymore, but I have struggled with severe PMS since my teens, in addition to ADD. Prozac has always worked well for me with my PMS. I recently stopped Prozac because I switched to Wellbutrin and Adderall. Lately, I've been thinking I should switch back. Around my period I want to strangle someone (not literally-sometimes). This seems to get worse in the winter. I hate this medication juggle. Managing my own medication with my kids stinks.

I'll end on a positive note. Years ago, I went to a doctor who did tons of research in the area of PMS and Depression. She was a real muckety-muck. Anyhow, she told me Prozac is the best drug to manage PMS-related depression. I have to say, in my case, she was right.

Good Luck,

Heather

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Jen on December 12, 2009 at 10:06pm

Thanks Heather,

That's interesting about Prozac working best for PMS. I have an appointment on the 23rd, and I'm not sure what I'm going to ask my doc to put me on. Currently, I'm taking 40mg Strattera, and I really think I need to add a stimulant to improve my concentration. I think the Strattera is helping with my mood and somewhat with my attention span, that is until the week before my period. My PMS has been horrible since having my 2nd child (8 months ago). This past time was really bad. Currently, my husband is not speaking to me "until I become rational again." I exploded on my poor mother while she was visiting, so she probably won't be coming back anytime soon. I also spouted off all kinds of inappropriate things to her about my husband & I'm furious at myself right now. Yes, my marriage is trying at times, and my husband (also ADD & constantly trying to regulate his meds) can drive me absolutely NUTS, but in my PMS rage, I made things sound much worse than they actually are to my mother. BIG MISTAKE! I should know the cardinal rule by now that it is NEVER smart to bash your partner to your mom. Why can't I learn?? I'm sure she's home now, convinced that we're on the brink of financial ruin and divorce. We're not, but since I pretty much had a melt-down and told her that very thing in my fury, she's probably even more stressed & anxious than usual.

OK, I'm done with my tangent. The point is, I definitely need to address my serious PMS, and maybe a low dose of Prozac is an option. I guess my concern is that I've taken Zoloft off and on, and the last time I took it (50 mg) I felt really strange, and it really did not make me feel better. I guess I'm just assuming that another SSRI would have the same affect.

Thanks for the input, and for letting me vent. :-) Medication is definitely a juggling act.

Jen

Heather B. said:

Hi,

I'm not postpartum, anymore, but I have struggled with severe PMS since my teens, in addition to ADD. Prozac has always worked well for me with my PMS. I recently stopped Prozac because I switched to Wellbutrin and Adderall. Lately, I've been thinking I should switch back. Around my period I want to strangle someone (not literally-sometimes). This seems to get worse in the winter. I hate this medication juggle. Managing my own medication with my kids stinks.

I'll end on a positive note. Years ago, I went to a doctor who did tons of research in the area of PMS and Depression. She was a real muckety-muck. Anyhow, she told me Prozac is the best drug to manage PMS-related depression. I have to say, in my case, she was right.

Good Luck,

Heather

• ▶ Reply

▶ Reply to Discussion

• ‹ Previous
• 1
• 2
• Next ›
• Page