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Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Original poster

Antidepressants during pregnancy

12 replies

MorgansMummy24 · 08/04/2015 12:33

Hi without going into too much personal detail, I lost my dad last year through a horrible tragedy and have been relying on 20-40 ml of citalapram up until I found out I was pregnant. I discussed everything with my doctor and was worried about the medication causing birth defects or MC so I stopped my medication 5/6 weeks ago. Last few days I have been feeling really down and depressed and feel 'the black cloud' coming back over me. I Just want some information/advice about using antideptessants whilst pregnant and if there are some safer than others. I don't want to harm my baby in anyway but at the same time i can't really cope without them Sad

OP posts:
Gillian1980 · 08/04/2015 12:56

Hiya. I was on 40 of citalopram prior to TTC. Reduced it down over about 6 months to 10mg and have remained on that. I'm 21 weeks now and had no problems with baby. It's a balance between minimising risks to baby but also minimising risks to your well being. Definitely speak to your gp and midwife about it ASAP. Xx

Original poster
MorgansMummy24 · 08/04/2015 13:28

Thank you I think it's best I do as I don't want things to get worse would rather take action now, definately do not want to have the baby and develop post natal depression which ive been told I am prone to due to the episodes of depression ive had, want it to be a happy time and it won't be if I don't get the medication I need x

OP posts:
susurration · 08/04/2015 16:54

I am NOT a healthcare professional but I have looked into this myself as I am on antidepressants and hoping to start TTC soon. In a nutshell, from my own research around the internet:

It is a 'not tested in human pregnancy' medication. Therefore most medical professionals do not recommend it. Where antidepressants are in use by expectant mothers the risk of heart problems goes from 1% to 2% but that is still a tiny risk, and there are many other factors that can increase that risk by more. Citalopram doesn't seem to have many withdrawal side effects for baby, but your doctor may want you to reduce your dose in the weeks coming up to birth. Sertraline is considered by some doctors to be the safer of the anti-depressants.

Your mental health is important and if you need the medication to keep yourself balanced then it is worth discussing with your doctor/midwife going back onto the medication. You can also ask to be referred to the mental health midwifery team if you want to.

I hope you're ok.

Original poster
MorgansMummy24 · 08/04/2015 17:30

Thank you so much Sus! I have rang my GP, made appointment for tomorrow morning to try and address everything. I will definately be asking for a referral to the mental health midwifery team as I would like all the support available to me. I have been trying to blame the hormones for most things but my DP is concerned now about how low ive been feeling (feeling like there's no point Ect). Time to take action so my baby can have a well mummy and a good start in life Flowers

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FluffyJawsOfDoom · 08/04/2015 17:32

I have been on citalopram previously and was prescribed fluoxetine in pregnancy - it seems just as effective, no discernible side effects, and is the one they like to use in pregnancy as it's been around for a long time. I'd go speak to your gp x

Proudmummy2456 · 08/04/2015 17:33

Im on 50 mg of Sertraline and the GP told me I would be fine to stay on them. It would be better for me and baby if I did.

Original poster
MorgansMummy24 · 08/04/2015 17:39

Oo I feel reassured now, I'm a worrier so as soon as the doctor said there is a risk I just totally stopped taking them under supervision but things are just starting up again and I really do believe it's in mine and baby's best interest to keep a balanced mind and be able to get out of bed, eat and sleep properly each day! X

OP posts:
Proudmummy2456 · 08/04/2015 17:54

Thats exactly what the doctor said to me, I tend to have meltdowns when I'm off them and get really moody and short fused. So I think its best for me to stay on them

susurration · 08/04/2015 18:27

Thats ok, glad I could offer some reassurance. I'm very concerned about what might happen if and hopefully when I get pregnant so have done lots of reading about it. So far my MH problems have required medication for the past six years so the thought of being ill and pregnant terrifies me.

You've done the right thing by calling the GP. x

geekymommy · 08/04/2015 18:41

I'm on fluoxetine during this pregnancy, and was with DD as well. DD seems fine at 2.5.

PenguinTuxedo · 08/04/2015 20:39

Sorry to hear things are difficult for you right now :( when I got my bfp, the doctor said the ones I was on (paroxetine) were generally safe during pregnancy. I decided to come off it anyway, but he point is there should be medication that you can take during pregnancy to help you. I hope your appointment goes well tomorrow x

Pameron · 08/04/2015 21:51

I'm under consultant care and taking citalopram. Consultant has said it's fine.

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