Pregnant on Anti Depressants

[Fuzyfelt23]

Hiya, i'm 5 weeks pregnant, i've been on Citalopram for years. Since trying for a baby I reduced my dose from 40mg to 20mg. I spoke to the doctor at length but am really worried about taking it.. but I dont want to come off and feel awful myself and not be in control and calm.. anyone had experience of this?? X

I'm 17 weeks today and am also taking 20mg Citalopram daily.
Just to clarify, why do you want to come off your medication?
Personally, I can't cope without it anyway, let alone whilst having out first child!
I really struggled with morning sickness and the Meds helped me when I felt like an isolated failure

Hi OP - I agree entirely with MoneyPit. Having gone up and done Harley Street investigating this subject I am firmly of the view that the risks are far greater to come off a much needed AD.

When I saw a mega psychiatrist who specialises in obstetrics she said there was no need whatsoever for me to even reduce my AD through pregnancy. She would not consider asking me to reduce or come of it (or change it to sertraline which I don't want to do).

As I am on venlafaxine (one of the less researched in pregnancy) I likely won't exclusively BF - will do part breast and part formula. The evidence in BF with ADs is slightly more mixed.

I am 6.5 weeks pregnant and not worried about this in the slightest. I am also dosed up on other drugs for Hyperesemis and don't worry about these either.

Good luck and congratulations! In your shoes I wouldn't consider stopping your citalopram. As MoneyPit said - pregnancy is a hugely psychologically tough time - don't make it any tougher for yourself than you need to.

Thank you for your advice. I am going to stick with my meds! I really want to breast feed so need to do some research x

Advice from the breastfeeding network on ad's allayed my fears about this.