Definition
Postpartum depression is a particular form of depressive disorder, which affects women in the period following birth.
Usually, this form of depression develops over a few months and manifests itself with rather intense and lasting symptoms. It is a condition that greatly affects the ability to take care of the newborn, therefore, diagnosis and timely treatment are essential.
Causes
In truth, there is no single cause that favors the development of postpartum depression. In fact, this form of depression can be triggered by a combination of concomitant factors, such as hormonal changes that occur in the puerperium, lack of sleep and rest, lack of help from the partner and / or family, and environmental conditions and social life in which one lives. Furthermore, it appears that genetic predisposition may also play a role of relevance in the development of the disease.
Symptoms
Postpartum depression can manifest itself with a varied series of symptoms, among which we mention: feeling of extreme sadness, irritability, aggression, fatigue, increase or loss of appetite, difficulty concentrating, insomnia, drowsiness, lethargy, headache, dizziness, muscle aches, social isolation, delusions, nervous exhaustion and decreased libido. Women who suffer from this form of depression can also experience complications, such as the development of major depression.
Furthermore, postpartum depression can affect the newborn. This is because, often, mothers suffering from this disorder struggle to establish a relationship with their child and all this can cause delays in the cognitive, social and emotional development of the child itself.
Finally, postpartum depression can also cause suicidal thoughts and / or behaviors, also increasing the risk of infanticide.
Information on Post-partum Depression - Drugs and Care is not intended to replace the direct relationship between health professional and patient. Always consult your doctor and / or specialist before taking Postpartum Depression - Drugs and Care.
drugs
Postpartum depression is a disorder that - if not promptly identified and treated - can lead to decidedly tragic implications.
In the treatment of postpartum depression, psychological support and psychotherapy are very important, which can be combined with a drug therapy based on antidepressant drugs. Remembering, however, that taking most of these medicines requires the suspension of breastfeeding.
In any case, when starting an antidepressant treatment, it is essential to follow all the instructions that will be provided by the doctor.
The type of antidepressant to be taken and its dosage will be established on an individual basis for each patient, since the response to treatment can vary greatly from one individual to another.
Paroxetine
Paroxetine (Daparox ®, Sereupin ®) is an active ingredient with an antidepressant action belonging to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (or SSRI) class.
Paroxetine is available for oral administration in the form of oral suspension, tablets and oral drops. The initial dose of medication usually used is 20 mg a day, preferably taken in the morning and with a full stomach. Subsequently - if the doctor deems it necessary - he may decide to increase the amount of active ingredient administered up to a maximum of 50 mg per day.
However, the exact dosage of medicine will be established by the same doctor according to the clinical conditions of each patient.
Paroxetine is excreted in minimal amounts in breast milk, therefore breast-feeding mothers should seek the advice of a doctor who will assess whether breast-feeding should be suspended or not.
Fluoxetine
Fluoxetine (Prozac ®, Azur ®) is also an antidepressant belonging to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor class. It is a drug available in different pharmaceutical formulations suitable for oral administration. The dose of fluoxetine usually recommended in adult patients is 20 mg a day, to be taken either nearby or between meals. If the doctor considers it necessary, the dose of the active substance administered can be increased up to a maximum of 60 mg a day. In any case, the dose of drug to be administered can vary greatly from patient to patient, depending on the severity of the depressive disorder.
Finally, it is very important to remember that because fluoxetine is excreted in breast milk, its use during breastfeeding is contraindicated.
