Generalised anxiety and pregnant?

I have suffered with GAD for the last 8 years, i have tried various SSRi's which have not helped and for the last year i have been prescribed Diazepam and Propranolol, which has helped me tremendously, i have not had to up my dosage of Diazepam, so i really do not think that i have become addicted to it. My anxiety is so bad that before i took the Diazepam and Propranolol I was agraphobic, which was extermely crippling both emotionally and financially. I can not claim benefits because my husband is working and earning £16,000pa. I have now become pregnant (not planned) and of course have stopped taking medication. I have an appointment with my gp next week to discuss what we can do to help my anxiety as he is worried that my anxiety might get worse. If anyone has been in this situation i would appreciate some advice and maybe let me know how you coped.

Thanks

Answer:
Although I have not been in this situation, I have worked with many who are. Firstly, The big problem is that really no anxiety medication is safe during pregnancy, no matter what you hear. You should have been in counselling to try and find the route of your problem. I would suggest trying yoga, meditation, or some type of behaviour conditioning with counselling. There are many different approaches you can take. Also, even homoeopathic medications can have effects on an unborn child.
I am surprised your GP would express worry that your anxiety will become worse. Negative projections such as his are known to increase anxiety in patients. Fortunately, many women report the cessation of symptoms of GAD during gestation and lactation.

Fear from knowing you cannot rely on medication to ease your symptoms will probably be the biggest obstacle you have to face. It is very hard, but if you can focus on your body's work of producing a new life, it will help you relax and ease your symptoms.

I was symptom free for four years. It was a very needed respite and I truly miss those years. I wish I could offer you more information. I am sure you already know about various therapies and relaxation techniques.
OK ... Ive been in this situation - 1/2 of it - n it was so very hard n I did it without support from my dr. - He was well aware I was doing this; BTW. I decided 2 come off the Klonepin (But I was never pregnant ... but I would like 2 b 1 day) -- I detoxed myself (very dangerous ) N U have a baby !! Ouch go 2 DR. ASAP !! U cannot STOP Benzodiazapienes! Appt next weel - Good. If its ur regular dr. ask nurse if u csn get in sooner. Withdrawl does damage 2 the heart! N again ... ur pregnant. Be Well - Email me if ur still nervous.
have your doctor check your blood for anemia. If you didn't have it before, a pregnancy can cause it. Then you'll have a racing heart, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, etc.
Be careful of developing hypoglycemia. Some of the symptoms include fatigue, insomnia, mental confusion, anxiety, nervousness, mood swings, faintness, headaches, depression, phobias, heart palpitations, a craving for sweets, cold hands and feet, forgetfulness, dizziness, blurred vision, inner trembling, outbursts of temper, sudden hunger, allergies, and crying spells. Don't mistake pregnancy-related low blood sugar for a "mental" disorder.
Hiya, I read a book that could be very helpful to you-it's called
Love works like this and its by Lauren Slater. It's about a woman who suffered terribly for mental health problems through a pregnancy.

The medicine and health information post by website user , ByeDR.com not guarantee correctness , is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions.


More Questions and Answers...
  • Any teens besides myself on Lexapro?
  • Freaky Dreams?
  • Question that need an answer?
  • How do I set a normal daily routine?
  • Please help. could i have generalized anxiety disorder?
  • Is there a way for your body to willingly induce sleep?
  • When people stare at me or get to close to me i think they're gonna hurt me..why??
  • What Should I Do?
  • What are the alternatives to NHS counselling?
  • How can you tell if you are depressed and alone?