40mg fluoxetine/Prozac during pregnancy?

[Rachel12551]

I have suffered with depression and anxiety for around 10 years. Before becoming pregnant I was on a high dose of 60mg fluoxetine which seemed to be working for around a year.

When becoming pregnant I decided to come off the medication as I was scared it would harm the baby and managed to cope for the first 12 weeks until I had a complete breakdown and started back on a 20mg dose as discussed with my doctor. I don't feel like this is working a few weeks on (I still have some really negative thoughts and down days) and would like to increase to 40mg but am worried this is too high a dose for pregnancy.

My question is has anyone taken 40mg during pregnancy? I know I will need to speak with my doctor but it's a bank holiday so can't call until Tuesday so I would just like to get a few opinions/experiences if possible!

Thank you

I was on Fluoxetine when I fell pregnant but decided to come off it at about 4/5 weeks pregnant.

I’ve had an assessment with the perinatal mental health team and they advised me that they would recommend Sertraline in pregnancy, however my GP didn’t have an issue with me continuing on the fluoxetine If I wanted to so I don’t think it’s bad for you to take...

The perinatal team advised me to use a website called BUMPS it gives info on the possible side effects of medication in pregnancy - maybe you could have a look at that in the meantime and discuss with your GP on Tuesday.

Hey hun I used to take fluoxetine and then came off it a few months before I got pregnant. I had similar concerns about the first trimester! The midwife previously said to me they have to weigh up what medication would work for you and what's safe for the baby. Speak to them about the dosage, they might suggest other alternatives also safe for pregnancy.

How long have you been taking the tablets again? It normally takes at least 4 weeks to kick in, it might be worth trying it a bit longer. Have you tried doing meditation or mindful activities along with it? Does anything else help alongside the meds?

I came off 40mg when I was trying to conceive the doctor said it's perfectly safe in early pregnancy but they wean you off it before your third trimester.
Speak to your doc and midwife and see if they can offer an alternative xx

I've been on 20mg since conception (was on 40mg, but didn't want to risk coming off entirely) and my doctor is happy for me to go back up to 40mg after 12week scan.

Thank you everyone for your responses

I will speak to my doctor on Tuesday!

Xxxxx