Citalopram 20mg & bf.

[Jellybellymummyofsix]

My GP wasn't very helpful when I went to see her today about how anxious & stressed I've been feeling.

She prescribed me 20mg of Citalopram. Is this normal whilst breastfeeding?

Thanks.

Citalopram is one of the ADs considered ok to take when breastfeeding. As far as I'm aware there isn't any sort that doesn't carry through to your milk at all, but the transfer of this one is low enough and with little enough effect to be considered safe.

Are drugs what you were after? Or were you thinking more along the lines of counselling or support?

I've taken it all through pg and bf, no problem, but agree with pp, ADs are only part of a solution. Depending on your area there's therapies that can help. Gp or hv should know this.

Too be honest i need help now...even waiting the 3/4 weeks for the medication to kick in is too long.

She said to talk to my hv but i don't think that is going to help.

She suggested talking to friends or family but i don't have any close friends or family. I don't have any support. That's not going to change. Two of my older dc have ASD.

The meds might not take that long. You will never know until you try. I started sertraline, which are a similar type, for PND when DD2 was a couple of weeks old and they worked within days, though the full effect took a little longer. The side effects weren't too horrendous, just a bit spaced out and tired, and an upset tummy. Do you have a DH/DP? Do you get support from that direction?

There are lots of threads about starting meds if you use the search bar. And there are always us on here to give support, though it's only words .

I decided not to read threads about starting meds as it would probably put me off altogether!!

No partner or close family. Only my dad who is elderly & worryingly forgetful.

Literally if i can't look after my dc they will go into care. The older dc are really struggling with the lack of usual structure & organisation.

Wow, you are amazing, doing it completely on your own. And yes, probably a good choice about not reading them.

Your HV will know of any support groups or children's centres, etc. that might be able to help. It might be worth a shot.

Don't worry tooooo much about the lack of structure - I understand it is probably pretty crucial, but something will have to give, and it may well be that for a while. It won't be for too long, you just need a chance to get back on your feet.

Thanks. Started the antidepressants today. I feel unusually nauseous...

We needs structure at 2 of my dc have ASD. They are doing really badly at the moment. Ds9 school are even questioning if his placement is appropriate as he's deteriated so much.

I would feel out of place at a baby group... Most women of my age are grandmothers!

Nausea is a perfectly normal side effect. Don't fret it at all, it means your body is already working on processing the drugs. It should pass in the next few days.

I suggested Children's centres because they have special support groups for parents of kids with special needs, or families who need a bit of help. Do you have a local one? Some are better than others - my local is pretty useless, but I've heard good things about others.

Anyway - sending you good vibes!