Citalopram making me look pregnant?!

[Llyn]

I’m in my early 40s and have been fortunate enough never to have had a weight problem. I put on a little bit over the last year as a side effect of lockdown, but nothing I was too worried about. However, I’ve been on Citalopram since the end of December, and currently look at least 5 months pregnant! I’m a bit rounder in my face, and across the hips, but it’s mainly all in the front- exactly like a pregnancy bump (to the extent of several people asking/assuming that I am!)

I don’t think my eating habits have changed massively, and if anything I’m exercising more than before because I’m feeling so much better. Is this something anyone else has experienced? What are my chances of going back to normal after I stop taking it? Please reassure me?!

You're definitely sure it's the citalopram?

hi, i was going to ask the same question - ive been on citalopram for about 2 and a half month now - before i even took the first dose i did a bit of googling and all info pointed to it being the least likley to put on weight - i actually lost weight the first month cos i felt so nauseous - could it be anything else your taking? i think some contraceptive pills can do that?
im on a few different medications which say 'may cause weight gain due to increased appetite'
sorry cant be more help

Some ADs can affect your appetite causing you to put on weight. They don't in themselves make you put on weight!

The weight gain you are describing is not attributable to Citalopram.

Asking the obvious but - could you be pregnant? 🤔

There’s some uncertainty around whether citralopram can increase prolactin levels in women. It certainly doesn’t to the extent most antipsychotics can, but there are some links. It can also suppress FSH. The GP can do a test for you to check all your levels, but you need to request it as many GPs don’t understand mental health meds and hormone interaction or just don’t offer it unless the issue occurs. If your prolactin is high, you can even produce breast milk. It’s not inherently dangerous, but can be unpleasant and is definitely something I’d seek the blood test for. If your levels are high, your doctor can look at alternatives.