Citalopram 10mg and early pregnancy

[Molotov]

I started taking 10mg of citalopram a few days ago for severe PMS. I hope that it will also help ease my more general anxiety issues.

I am irritable, snappy, tearful, over-sensitive and aggressive in the 2 weeks leading up to my period. Just an awful fire-breathing tyrant, really. I am naturally what I would call an anxious person but lately I find myself unable to make decisions due to anxieties.

We have 2 dds aged 6yo and 3yo and I've said 'enough is enough' with this moodiness and out of control worrying, for the sake of our family. However, one of the things I've been unable to make a decision about is to whether to ttc a dc3. I hope that I will soon be able to think clearly again, without the fog of anxiety and mood-swings.

I may decide that I want to stick at 2dcs but if we did ttc, I've read that citalopram might cause birth defects. I've stressed so much about whether to ttc again that if we did, I'd just like it to happen without over-analysis and planning on my part. Maybe actually being on citalopram should enable this. But, would it be better to withdraw from citalopram if we did want to ttc?

I have a review appointment with my GP in a couple of weeks, and will ask then, of course. I've also posted this on the mental health board.

TIA

[ovumahead]

I researched this a lot after I became pregnant unexpectedly while taking escitalopram (very similar medication but better for anxiety). My personal recommendation would be to avoid it in pregnancy. There are other SSRI meds that work similarly but are considered safer. Like sertraline. Definitely get advice from GP but also Google and research yourself as some GPs aren't too clued up with that kind of specialist info
Best of luck

[ovumahead]

Also bear in mind that during pregnancy you don't get pmt!

[Molotov]

Thanks for that, I'll raise the issue with my GP. There does seem to be conflicting info about citalopram and pregnancy. I wouldn't be comfortable risking a pregnancy with so many 'what ifs?'

Thanks again.

[KatyN]

I am taking 20mg. I did for my first pregnancy and now I'm pregnant again. There are some additional risks but for me it was the additional risks or no baby. I can not function without ad, I've tried many times to come off and had a breakdown.
I got advice from the local mental health hospital before ttc the first time.

[Gillian1980]

I'm taking 10mg under agreement of gp, midwife and consultant. I was on 40mg prior to TTC but managed to reduce down to 10.

None of them have been in the least bit concerned and have said a dose this low is negligible in terms of risks to the baby but crucial in maintaining my well being. I guess it's weighing up the risks on both sides.

I'm 29 weeks now and have had 5 scans for various reasons and no signs of any problems.

[ovumahead]

Please also take a look at rhetoric website called surviving antidepressants (Google as I can't put links in via my phone). It's a forum based site with heaps of useful information, definitely worth looking up how to safely come off this kind of medication so you don't end up in the situation that KatyN describes as unfortunately it's very common. More common than GPs will have you believe, as most are very dismissive or unaware of the longer term implications of
SSRI use

[ovumahead]

Sorry not sure where the word rhetoric came from! Bloody phone grrr

[Molotov]

Thanks for those additional messages.

Gillian, you're quite right that 10mg is a low dose so this must all be taken into context. I will still discuss with my GP.

I've just become unable to make a decision wrt a dc3 due to anxiety and swing between thinking 'yes' and 'no' on a daily basis. I also need help to stabilise my mood and control my emotions. I just wonder if I'm doing the right thing ... I think I am. I'm only on day 5 so it's still early days.

Thanks again.

[Molotov]

And I'll take a look at that website, ovum

[WeePoppy]

I am in a similar situation to Gillian.

Due to various health issues, I was taking a lot of medication before ttc, including 30 mg Citalopram. When we decided to ttc, I made an appointment with my GP and was letter referred to an obstetrician to discuss the issue.

I did reduce the dose of all my medication over a period of time before ttc but was still taking (and still am during my pregnancy) 10 mg Citalopram. GP, midwife and Obstetrician are all absolutely fine with this. My obstetrician actually said to me that she would rather see a "healthy" mum on medication than a poorly mum off medication...

[Molotov]

It seems from what's been said here then, that 10mg is deemed to be an acceptable (safe/safest?) dose of citalopram in pg.

I'm hoping that for me, citalopram is going to be the tool that helps level me out and may well be the thing that helps give me a clear head again; especially to decide whether we want to have another baby (well, I, as DH would like to).

[Flambola]

I am under consultant care, currently 18 weeks pregnant and taking 40mg Citalopram. It's been ok'd by consultant, GP and midwife.

I've actually been advised to stay on this dose until after birth, at least.