Citalopram and breastfeeding

[LouiseAnn]

Hello all,

I am 24 weeks pregnant with my third little boy. I successfully breastfed the other two and really want to breastfeed this little chap.

However, I am prone to mild depression and last year our 11yo son was killed in a road accident. I am very content to be on 20mg of Citalopram a day as it helps me to feel normal. I also don't want to come off it before I have the baby as I am worried about PND. But the BNF says avoid breastfeeding while taking citalopram. I have googled about it and got a mixed result.

Any experiences out there? Anyone know a good place to get advice? I know I could formula feed, but I really don't want to. I could mix feed, I could try another drug or coming off them entirely. I don't want him to arrive and me to be a stressed out, depressed Mum though.

You can download a factsheet from the Breastfeeding network here

It says that Citalopram is OK, you just have to watch for excessive sleepiness if you are on high doses.

I'm very sorry to hear about the death of your son

I dont know LA - I'm so so sorry to her about your 11 year old son. How are you doing?

cmotdibbler - that link looks great, thank you.

MrsJonnyDepp - I am doing very well, all things considered. The new little chap is something to look forward to. The MN thread "eris's thread for bereaved mummies" has been great. My Cruse counsellor has been wonderful and we have lots of supportive family, friends and church friends. Obviously we still miss him and I have bad days sometimes.

bump

bumping hopefully....

link up with la leche league.

don't know the specifics of citalopram, but the general message around la leche seems to be that the long term benefits of breastfeeding FAR outway the risks of medication.

recent info that i have are that breastfeeding should only be avoided completely when undertaking chemotherapy/radiation therapy.

unfortunately some gp's aren't of this outlook so be prepared.

the recent research on formula would lead you to believe that it is far more detrimental than meds.

i continued to breastfeed my six month old whilst on prozac (another use with caution)
with no effects.

it is also beneficial to breastfeed if you do suffer depression as it protects baby from potential emotional effects of depression aswell as helping with your own mood.

in a nutshell.... feed baby yourself and don,t worry!!

I have been on dothiepin throughout the 2 years I have been feeding dd with no apparent effects - if you did want to change that might be one to consider?

My GP when I saw him about depression when I was breastfeeding was superb and he was prepared to give me this medication as he said it would be OK (basically he was a GP who looked in his big book to prove to me, that is show me in print that it would be alright!.. the link given, glad that can help.

Sorry to hear about your son's accident and wish you all the best for the arrival of the little one

I have been specifically perscribed citalopram because its ok with BFing. (My Dr showed me his book too!) My ds seems perfectly fine with it and quite likes having a relaxed Mummy. All the best.