Citalopram and male fertility?

[TakingTheLeap]

Hello all! My first post on the TTC board, so a big wave to you all.

DH and I have recently decided that we want to start TTC in a few months and we've been starting to think about preparing ourselves in various ways. We've both been on citalopram for a while (he for anxiety, me for depression) and I'm currently in the process of weaning myself off as my GP advised that it wasn't the best anti-depressant to be on whilst TTC/pregnant.

However, it hadn't really occurred to me that DH's medication might be a factor until I took an idlea Google last night and discovered that there seemed to be some connection between (temporary) male infertility and SSRIs such as citalopram. However, the evidence for this is based on only a few case studies. I know it isn't the most scientific approach, but I came here in search of a bit of anecodatal evidence! Does anyone on the board here have experience of TTC whilst the gentleman of the couple was on anti-depressants?

Hi @TakingTheLeap. I can't help with your query but can understand your concerns/interested too if anyone has any advice. My husband is still on Fluoxetine which i believe is also an SSRI. I read that it can affect sperm mobility so have purchased some special lubricant which is supposed to provide a good environment for the sperm and assist with mobility! You can get Preseed or Conceive Plus. Here's hoping. I don't want to push my husband coming off the meds, even though he says he is better now as I don't want him to go backwards. He takes his for anxiety. Xxxx

My dp has managed to impregnate me successfully 4x whilst on SSRIs (I was also on a low dose of citalopram when my dd was conceived).

I wouldn't worry too much to be honest. Googling can tell you that pretty much anything and everything 'may' affect fertility, but it's far preferable that he isn't struggling with depression whilst you're ttcing.

Hi OP, I work in psychiatry and interestingly was discussing this with our consultant a few months ago. The link is not well proven yet and we work with many many couples where this has not been an issue. To be honest the impact of not being on an antidepressant may be worse for your TTC plans (e.g. If he became depressed) than being on citalopram. Good luck, am sure you'll be fine :)

Thanks all, that's really helpful. Definitely true that for him staying on citalopram will make for a much happier time TTC.

Meanwhile I am two days off it and feel completely knocked sideways (very dizzy!) but thankfully few emotional side effects as of yet.

RosieRo I had no idea you could even get sperm-speeding lubricant! That is good to know. I'll look up the ones you mentioned.

Hi @TakingTheLeap! I also conceived when DH was on citalopram,twice in fact as I miscarried first time, but have a DD now. There really were no issues. I've been on it myself since for anxiety and have successfully weaned myself off in order to TTC #2. The timing was right for me to come off anyway and although I've had a few wobbles I've controlled and managed them just fine. All the best to you lovely!

Thanks so much CakesALot!

Withdrawal is going as well as can be expected I suppose - quite dizzy and slightly nauseous, plus some very strong emotions. I joked to DH that it's quite ironic that my side-effects from coming off citalopram in order to TTC are quite similar to many early pregnancy symptoms!

Just need to keep reminding myself when I suddenly feel very anxious / upset about something that this is just my brain getting used to being off the pills. Yeurgh!

Hi everyone, I'm aware this is quite an old post now so no idea if anyone will respond! I've just been googling the effects of citalopram on male fertility and was brought here (as well as to a few studies saying it can damage the sperm) and wondered for those of you who did conceive while your partner was on citalopram are your children neurotypical? (and I apologise that this is a sensitive topic/question and assure you it comes from a proud ADHD mum of an autistic child so I wholeheartedly mean no offence. )

My husband and I are considering ttc but he is doing so well on his citalopram (though is willing to come off while ttc) and I am doing fairly well on Duloxetine but am considering coming off if I am ttc and do get pregnant as I took fluoxetine during my last pregnancy and while I absolutely worship my son it would make life considerably harder for everyone, especially him if we had another child with additional needs and if (obviously nobody knows the cause of autism, and I'm certainly not anti vax) we could avoid taking any risks we would. I do have an older stepson who is, for the most part, neurotypical and they adore eachother as my stepson is incredibly patient with my son and his needs. I don't want to keep rambling and risk offending someone even more, we would love a child regardless of who or how they are but we just want to consider everything carefully. And ultimately it is the happiness of my existing child that, at this point before another child even exists, has to be considered above all.

Thank you in advance for any replies x