Has anyone taken a tranquilizer to help deal with the grief and loss that comes with a loved one passing away???

[JenLyn25]

I don't want to go into the whole story (at least not yet, I will post that later because I do need to talk about my loss.) But my Grandma passed away on Feb. 26th of this year and I'm still in shock and completely heartbroken (I'm also 8 months pregnant.) But since the night I found out that she was back in the hospital I haven't been able to sleep well at all, I'll get a few hours a night if that but I usually toss and turn and when I do sleep I dream about my Grandma. I'm also not functioning well, I don't want to do anything (I know these are common occurrences with grief and loss) but my OBGYN is worried about me not getting any sleep and being under so much stress and they told me that at this stage of my pregnancy that the percentage of a medication causing a birth defect is very low. I already see a Psychiatrist and I'm going to see a regular therapist to help me through the grieving process but until I can learn how to cope with everything I really need something that can help me sleep and function but I've never taken a tranquilizer so I just want to know if someone can suggest something or knows anything about them? Thank you.

[mammo]

I would try to make it until the birth of your baby before going on an antidepressant, or anxiety medication.  A small percentage of causing a birth defect is still too high in my opinion.  Then you'll know for sure that the baby is fine, and medication can do a lot to help you thru this difficult time.  They are safe, and you never stop them abruptly (that's what "can" cause seizures) your doctor will know how to wean you off when you're ready.  Some things in life are too much for us to handle alone and this is why we have the specialists, and the medications.  If I had not taken medication when I lost my son....I doubt I'd still be here.  Do things that are relaxing for you, get in a lot of walking to ensure you are tired at night (which is also healthy for you right now), and don't go to bed until you are truly tired.  Read to fall asleep, or watch TV, don't just lie there and think. I do wish you all the best and take care.

[abby10]

Yes I took tranquilizers for grief. Please don't take them. Lack of sleep won't kill you. You will eventually sleep again naturally. Look up "benzodiazepines" and read up on them. They are for short term use (2 weeks) only. In the US, except for ativan, there are no instructions "for short term use only" only safe if taken as prescribed your physican. Your body will qucikly become dependant on them and you will need more to achieve the same effect. It is not a pleasant experience. Abrupt discontinuation can cause seizure. The drug crosses the placenta to the fetus. Your baby will be drugged too.

I would have liked to have been warned about those pills before I took them.