can antidepressants affect fertility?

[odgirl]

i'm taking antidepressants (lofepramine) for pnd and also ttc - could the ads affect my fertility?

[Chandra]

I really don't know, but considering the hormonal rollercoaster that pregnancy is, are you sure you want to go through it before the symptoms for PND clear up?

Just a thought.

[odgirl]

well sex drive is ok and don't want to ask gp as think he'll say what chandra has said - its a valid question but dh and i have discussed it and things are going really well and its the right time for us to ttc, am weaning off ad's like you should but don't want to wait till finished before start trying

[Chandra]

Is there any recommendation in the leaflet that came with the AD asking to talk to your doctor if you are pregnant? If so, please do, some medicines can have awful effects in the development of an unborn child.

[odgirl]

i was give this type as was breastfeeding at time and gp said lofepramine is more commonly used in antenatal depression so am ok with that

[Chandra]

Found this the following in the Medicines Compendium:

The safety of lofepramine for use during pregnancy has not been established and there is evidence of harmful effects in pregnancy in animals when high doses are given. Lofepramine has been shown to be excreted in breast milk. The administration of lofepramine in pregnancy and during breast feeding therefore is not advised unless there are compelling medical reasons.

(emc.medicines.org.uk/emc/assets/c/html/displaydoc.asp?documentid=1147)

There is more about this here:
www.tiscali.co.uk/lifestyle/healthfitness/health_advice/netdoctor/archive/100001532.html

[Chandra]

Basically, it still be OK but perhaps it would be a good idea to wait a couple of weeks until you are weaned of it.

[odgirl]

thanks for info