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Pregnancy

Antidepressants whilst pregnant?

10 replies

KathrynAndSteve · 20/01/2014 12:55

Hi everyone, I am currently on Mirtazapine at 30mg i just wanted to know if this will be ok to take during pregnancy? xxx

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MsIngaFewmarbles · 20/01/2014 13:07

You need to consult the doctor that prescribed them however there doesn't appear to be any study that shows long term effects on babies according to the BNF. There may be withdrawal symptoms shown by the baby after birth.

No drugs are definitely 'safe' during pregnancy however some have more research than others. It's down to the balance of benefit/risk

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TwoThreeFourSix · 20/01/2014 13:34

Definitely get a medical opinion.

I was on a medication for my migraines, which is also an antidepressant, and from the medical reviews my specialist showed me, mine was positively recommended for pregnant women needing medication.

Whereas others are complete no-nos!

Only a Dr can help you find the best antidepressant for you and your baby.

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KathrynAndSteve · 20/01/2014 13:48

Thank you everyone xxx

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MsIngaFewmarbles · 20/01/2014 14:11

Also if you are going to BF there are specialist books on BF and medications that the delivery suite/PN ward should have.

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Pollaidh · 20/01/2014 14:22

See a doctor, sometimes you will need to change. I was happily already on a migraine/sleeping tablet which is the recommended one for pregnancy.

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Hubbythecatandme · 20/01/2014 19:41

I am taking venlafaxin OP, hubby and I read as much medical lit as we could before we conceived... and the answer is basically this: it is unethical to test on pregnant women so mostly, scientists don't know. There are mentions of slightly increased risks of M/C, perhaps a slightly increased risk of heart malformation.... however, there are also many women who kept taking their medication and had happy healthy babies.
Again, it all depends on what you would be like like without your meds.
My mum's friend's daughter jumped off a cliff with her baby because of undiagnosed psychosis or severe depression 3 months after the birth. Depression can be a dangerous illness so in my case, I prefer taking a small risk with my meds but being happy, able to function and look after myself and my baby xx

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peeapod · 20/01/2014 19:54

ask to be reffered to the perinatal mental health team... they are the specialists and can help you monitor your drugs through your pregnancy..

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PinkandPoo · 20/01/2014 21:05

I was on mirtazapine and told to come off it when I got pregnant.

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KathrynAndSteve · 21/01/2014 12:46

Pinkandpoo do you know the reason they told you to come off them? xx

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PinkandPoo · 21/01/2014 14:37

Because:

  1. no one is sure whether they're absolutely safe to take in early pregnancy
  2. baby can suffer withdrawal symptoms when born
  3. my mental health was ok at the time. My GP said they'd only advise women currently suffering from severe MH problems to continue taking them during pregnancy (as risks to mother of not taking them outweigh the potential risks to baby)
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