When to stop medication?

[Twins+1]

Hello

I was diagnosed with PND when my twin girls were about 8wks old. They are 5 months now.

I have been taking one tablet of Talohexal a day and really believe that the medication helped me cope with the sleep deprivation and the stresses of looking after 3 under 3.

My question is when do you know when you should stop taking the medication. I was diagnosed with PND by a physciatrist at Riverton (sleep school) and didn't take up their recommendation to speak to a councellor or my GP (not that I have a GP that I see on a regular basis).

Should I just stop taking the medication and see how things go and if I fall in a heap again start taking it again?

Thanks for your help.

[FourAngelKisses]

If it were me, I'd probably keep up with it for 12mths. I had PND after my second child and I went off my medication when I thought I was ready, but things came crashing down again a few days later and it took me a lot longer to recover.

Just make sure that when you do stop taking it, you wean off rather than going cold turkey.

[~rambox~]

Twins+1 - No offence to anyone here at all but I would not stop taking them until your doctor says to.

Good luck with everything

[misskittyfantastico]

I'm glad you are feeling better. I would strongly recommend talking to your GP/cousellor before making any changes to your medication, also it's generally a fairly slow weaning off rather than an abrupt stop. There's no time limit for medication so don't feel you need to come off your tablets until you feel ready.

[Tam-I-Am]

Hi Twins+1. Congratulations on feeling better! Its a great feeling knowing that you've come out the other side of really dark days isn't it!

I have to say I'm with MissKitty on this one - I would strongly recommend seeing a GP before doing anything with your medication. Apparently Beyond Blue have a service whereby you can find a GP certified in the management of psychotropic medication (ie antidepressents, and others that have an effect on your mood). I would highly recommend contacting this service to find such a GP in your region and having a chat to them before deciding to do anything.

Also, be aware that while antidpressants are NOT habit forming (ie they're non-addictive), they can wreak havoc with your body if you withdraw from them suddenly. Depending on the dose you're on, its recommended that you withdraw from them slowly, over a long period of time. You can get quite horrific side effects on some otherwise - another good reason to consult a GP.

Good luck with it all!

[FourAngelKisses]

I meant to say the other day.....antidepressants take 6wks before they start working, and as you have only been on them for about 3mths, they would only have had the chance to work for 6wks, give or take a week or two. So it really is too soon to be stopping them.

[Angelmist♥]

Hi Twins+1, sorry mate I have to agree with everyone else.You should really see a doctor again just to make sure.

TBH you could be feeling fine because of the anti-depressants IYKWIM.

Good luck darl and I hope everything stays great for you!