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Antenatal/postnatal depression

citalopram in pregnancy

8 replies

Ronniestevens1 · 19/11/2017 15:05

Hi guys!
I've posted before, I'm hoping to ttc in new year I'm currently on 10mg citalopram and just after reassurance from any mums who have took this medication during pregnancy? Ive researched so much information, some good stories and some not!! I keep going back and fourth with my worries, but I truely think I need this med during pregnancy
R x

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kristy81 · 26/11/2017 09:04

Hi
I'm currently pregnant and taking citalipram. I had a long conversation with my GP when I found out and obviously the recommendation is not to take anything. However the guidelines suggest that you should continue if the benefit out weighs the risk.
Tbh I think it may depend on what your gp is like. I had bad postnatal depression in my last pregnancy so I have decided to continue with it. The GP asked me to have another discussion with the midwife when I see her on Friday (she may have a different view).
I think you will know what feels right for you.
Kx

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Ronniestevens1 · 26/11/2017 20:25

Thank you so much for replying! I had quite bad post natal depression after my daughter and still struggle with anxiety now and citalopram definitely helps me. I think I will continue taking it. What mg on you on? I'm on 10mg atm xx

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kristy81 · 27/11/2017 20:38

Exactly the same for me! I'm on 20mg it definitely helps!

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IntoTheWoods84 · 04/12/2017 22:29

I was on 20mg and took it down to 10mg while pregnant, then immediately back up to 20mg postnatally. All fine - baby super healthy and it’s helped keep me steady.
Perinatal Mental health team including psychiatrist all said 10mg was fine as such a low dose. Risks come with much higher doses (around 40mg) apparently. Good luck!x

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LondonStill83 · 04/12/2017 22:37

Hiya,

I took 20mg during my pregnancy, as for me, the benefits far outweighed the risks.

I think risks are associated with higher (40mg+) doses and neither my midwife, gp, nor mental health midwife were concerned.

I had an awful pregnancy (cervical stitch, HE, pre-eclampsia then eclampsia then EMCS)... none of it related to the citalopram (though it helped me cope for sure).

My mental health was good throughout pregnancy and has continued to be so 14 Months on- so think it's the right choice!

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Ronniestevens1 · 07/12/2017 21:05

Hi guys ah thank you that’s great to hear! Feel so much better reading this, I think I will continue with the citalopram xxxx

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Redguitar2 · 20/12/2017 21:15

I've just seen this post and thought I would add my experience. I was on Citalopram a few years back. I can't remember what the exact dose was but was nearly maximum I think.

Basically, I had one of the doctors at my surgery contact me to tell me they needed to change my medication because there was recent advice given that Citalopram can cause problems with the heart. I had and still don't have any underlying conditions or problems. As far as I'm aware I'm completely healthy!

As a result I had to have an ECG. All was fine but they moved me on to Escitalopram. I came of these and was then put on Sertraline after my son was born. I've restarted them in this pregnancy and they work wonders.

So I would advise you to talk to your GP about the above, particularly as your pregnant. Good luck!

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Ronniestevens1 · 21/12/2017 21:26

Hi! Oh right! I feel slightly worried now then as I’ve been on citalopram for about 6 years with a few breaks in between and knowone has mentioned to me about heart problems?! Feel slightly worried now, although I’ve only ever been on 10mg and 20 has been the highest I’ve took when I had quite bad post natal depression! Any other ladies offer any advice? Xx