Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Pregnancy

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

Original poster

Citalopram and pregnancy

16 replies

Oceankeeping · 28/01/2018 22:24

I just started taking citalopram and it has helped my mood significantly. I was suffering with with severe anxiety and depression due to a financial downfall related to a big stupid financial decision I made in my late 20’s that came back to haunt me:( my husband and I want tongrt pregnant and have a child. I’m 35 and have been waiting my whole life to have a child and thought I would wait until I financially ready but it seems I’ll never be ready... so my question is Can I continue taking my citalopram while trying to conceive and during my pregnancy. I never thought I would turn to medication but it has been my glimmer of hope through all of this..

OP posts:
Luxi · 28/01/2018 22:32

Hiya, I was on citalopram and what the doctor said to me was there can be problems in the early stages with the heart being formed and late stages lung issues, however if you are extremely depressed sometimes it's best for you to stay on them and he let me make the choice, I decided to come off them cold turkey and it was bloody hard!!! But I'm almost 21 weeks and feel like a can manage a lot better now, it's whatever is best for your health and mental wellbeing xxxxx

TeaAndPjs · 28/01/2018 23:00

I'm on them and started during pregnancy, gp said there's was side effects but rare and the benefits outweigh the risks

Original poster
Oceankeeping · 28/01/2018 23:12

I’m worried because I’m older I’ll be at more risks?

OP posts:
Original poster
Oceankeeping · 28/01/2018 23:13

Thank you for reply

OP posts:
Wicket2016 · 28/01/2018 23:22

I have taken citralopram before (not currently taking it) I am however on other medication for Epilepsy. I would say if you are thinking about TTc talk it through with your GP or pharmacist first x

Luxi · 29/01/2018 00:58

Don't be worried hun talk to your gp, I also came off them because I felt like it was time for me. If your not ready then your not ready it is entirely your choice. My friend is taking sertraline which her gp moved her too when she was pregnant, it just depends on how your mind frame is. I wish you all the luck in the world! You have tons of support on here xxxxxx

Ihatemarmite123 · 29/01/2018 04:32

Get a different medication that has less associations with defects.

I took citalopram in early pregnancy and my baby died due to complications associated with citalopram. Sorry, I know this is not what you want to hear. If I could go back I would never have taken it. I was one of those people who thought 'it won't happen to my baby' but it did and I'll spend the rest of my life blaming myself for taking those tablets.

Luxi · 29/01/2018 14:21

Wow that's awful @Ihatemarmite123 I'm so sorry to hear that :( however so grateful for you letting us know xxxx

nailsathome · 29/01/2018 17:01

I'm on it and I have no plans to come off it. I wasn't advised there were any problems with it.

TallulahBetty · 29/01/2018 17:04

I was on it and advised to come off due to risks. I was very down my whole pregnancy but glad I came off them. Just wish k had been offered an alternative!

Dawn1992 · 29/01/2018 17:28

I was on top dosage citalopram (40mg) and I've been on it for 2 years and I didn't feel comfortable taking it. So doctor allowed me to stop I've been off it now for a month and I feel great. There is risks that can cause heart and lung defects I didn't want to take the risk. I have a prescription waiting for 20mg dosage in case I need it but I don't plan on it.

Unhappyhousehunting · 29/01/2018 17:29

www.medicinesinpregnancy.org/Medicine--pregnancy/Citalopram/

Ihatemarmite123 · 29/01/2018 20:06

Ultimately it's up to you.

My doctors and specialists would never say citalopram caused my baby's birth defect but I'll never stop blaming myself.

Ask yourself which is worse? Symptoms of depression for up to the duration of pregnancy or living with the possibility a medication you took caused a heart defect that could be fatal.

I know what I'd choose if I could turn the clock back. I'd not take it in this pregnancy

Original poster
Oceankeeping · 29/01/2018 20:29

Hey everyone, thanks for the advise. I only just started and am on citalopram 5mg for a week then up to 10mg. Also taking 50mg Trazadone @ night.
I’m soo sorry what happened to you @ihatemarmite123 . That is terrible what you have experienced. I hear you when you ask what would you choose. I know I don’t want to chance birth defects but I also don’t want to feel the way I have felt. It’s been heartbreaking.

OP posts:
Naomilj · 30/01/2018 10:43

Hi, I’m not sure if the risks are exactly the same but I was on sertraline (had been for a year) when I found out I was pregnant. Was told there was some risks to the baby’s heart so I took to weeks to reduce and come off of it as soon as I consulted with my doctor. I did experience some withdrawal but had morning sickness so it just blended in. Also had some down days with my mood but found it easier to manage as I knew why.
It’s conpletely up to you. You might be keen to stop it when you become pregnant. I would exonerate d stopping for peace of mind but it really depends on how low you are.
You also don’t know how long it will take so it might suffice you work to balance your mood beforehand.
Good luck with your decision.
Good luck.

Naomilj · 30/01/2018 10:45

Sorry for typos! Meant to say I would ‘recommend stopping’ and ‘work sufficiently’
Typing while chasing a toddler

New posts on this thread. Refresh page