Fluoxetine / Prozac in Pregnancy?

[amyjaney1984]

Hi, I am ten weeks pregnant. When I found out I was pregnant my dr advised me to come of citalopram, which I did. However I am really not coping very well - I am a teacher and today I just kept bursting into tears so had to go home. I saw my dr and she suggested going onto fluoxetine. She said there is a risk of congenital heart defects in the baby, but in pregnancy they prescribe antidepressants on a "the pros outweigh the cons" basis... This has really scared me. I know I can't function and do my job without them, but I don't want to hurt my baby. Does anyone have any advice or been through a similar thing?

I'm 8 weeks and taken the highest dose of venlafaxine and a small dose of olanzapine. I think they will end up tweaking or weaning me off them at some point but they are well aware that i literally don't function without them. I think there are risks with both and it's not the best but if you need to take them you need to take them. I've heard of women have perfectly healthy babies on prozac so try not to worry too much.

Can't really be of any real help but just wanted to let you know i'm in a similar boat. All you can do is have all the information and make the best decision you can. I'm struggling to function as it is so there's no way on god's green earth i'm coming off my meds it's just not worth it.

Thanks, I really appreciate that. It's a comfort to know other people are going through the same thing.

Definitely just have confidence that you would do anything for the baby. Eat right, sleep right, reduce stress, go to all your appointments. Don't let the decision to take a medication (that you were prescribed) make you feel guilty. You're going to be an awesome mum. I really regret that i didn't take antidepressants for my first pregnancy and i'm not making that mistake again cause i have a son to look after.

Take care xxx

I took 20mg all through my pregnancy with no problems at all.