QUESTION:
Dear Dr. Heller,
I have been told that Paxil is one of the more mild medications for depression or anxiety...as compared to Prozac, Zoloft, etc. Is that true? Also, do you know if taking Paxil would be effective for postpartum depression? Do you know what the most prescribed medication is for postpartum depression?
ANSWER:
No, Paxil is not "mild" compared to the others. In fact Paxil often has more
side effects than the other SSRI's.
Post partum depression may be due to low thyroid - and I'd look at that possibility.
Finding out what diagnoses were present mildly before the delivery is very helpful as well
(screening test), particularly in choosing medical treatments.
