Is there an antidepressant that is safe to take with a nursing toddler? Has anyone here tried 5HTP or chromium picolinate for depression/atypical depression?
Thanks!

I have tons of 5htp if you want it. I tried it and found it didn't work for me , I crashed hard after giving up my regular meds for it.

I have tried both suppliments you mentioned and they didn't work. With my depression I think I should have tried them with my regular medicine not in place of it. There are lots of safe anti-depressants to take while you are breastfeeding. The SSRI's have been tested a lot for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. I have heard that Prozac is safe while pregnant but not during breastfeeding. I know a lot of the other SSRI's are though. I would personally stay away from some of the suppliments/herbs because thay haven't been as tested. Just because something is "natural" doesn't mean it is safe. Take to your HCP about what you can take. I hope you find something that works!
Jen

Thanks for the input ladies!

Sara - what do you want for it? I may be interested. My supervisor is taking it with good results.

Jen - to be honest, I haven't consulted any dr. yet. It's hard enough admitting to myself and sharing with my dh, much less anyone else.

St. John's Wort combined with forcing myself to exercise daily (even if only for a few minutes) really helped me when I was struggling with it a lot. I've not taken it when pregnant or breastfeeding, but if PPD hits me hard enough after this one, I will take it (probably after a lot more research) in moderate doses.

Journaling or getting things out in talking with someone can really help too if it's issues/circumstances that are contributing to it.

:hug:

i took celexa with a nursing toddler (is 3-4 yrs a toddler still?) and it helped me tremendously and didnt affect my nursing girl at all!

I took zoloft and it helped the depression alot. The only side effect I had was dry mouth and also it decreased my milk supply (I think it must cause slight dehydration).

If the depression is enough that your looking into something to take I urge you to talk to a doctor.

I've suffered w/depression for many many years.

I have a nursing 18 month old son and Im currently taking Zoloft.

I *know* it's hard to talk to a doctor (or alternative health care provider) about it but after you do you will feel better. This is their job.

YOU have NOTHING to be ashamed of mama!!!!

It takes courage to ask for help when you need it.

You should consult a doctor or alternative care provider even if you don't want to take a prescription drug.

Like someone else said even over the counter/herbs are STILL drugs and can be abused if one is not totally informed and careful.

You want to make sure of what your taking for the sake of yourself and your nursling.

Good Luck mama!!

ETA: I haven't noticed any side effects while taking Zoloft. Zoloft is considered safe while nursing.

I've taken Zoloft since I was 4 mos pg with my older child. All of my docs have been okay with it.

My understanding is St Jonh's Wort is not safe while nursing. I hear Zoloft is the safest while nursing. I saw a specialist in Boston who deals with maternal depression and they ok'ed me to take Prozac thru my pregnancy and nursing.

I just started taking Zoloft a few weeks ago... all of my docs agree that it is very safe while nursing my 18 month old dd.