DH & I are planning on trying for a baby after our honeymoon in a few months. I have chronic pain & have recently been medically recommended to try antidepressants, specifically duloxetine or sertraline are the choices I've been given, as it has been hard adjusting to how the pain impacts my life which has taken a toll on my mental health. Does anyone have experience and/or advice with these drugs in relation to fertility, conception, pregnancy, birth and/or breast feeding?
Unsure if I should be starting an antidepressant at the same time are trying for a baby. The risks per NHS website seem relatively low, but all the information seems geared toward if you're already taking the antidepressant, and a lot of it seems to them follow up with information about coming off it during pregnancy. The doctor didn't seem overly worried about either drug but I'm hesitant.
I have thought about 'sorting myself out first' but with chronic pain it seems if I 'wait for the right time' there'll never be a 'right time' and I don't doubt DH & I can look after a child well at the moment. It would just be nice to feel better in myself & about my situation, as I can feel very frustrated and lonely due to the pain and how it limits me doing things. Duloxetine could actually potentially alleviate some of the physical pain too.
Any thoughts appreciated, TIA.