Citalopram and pregnancy

[teaandcrumpets35]

I'm in very early stages (only 4-5 weeks). For the last year I've been taking citalopram for anxiety. Since I found out about the pregnancy a week ago I've stopped taking it as I'd read it can cause issues.

I'm feeling ok in terms of anxiety but ive noticed I'm feeling very tired and quite light headed at times. I guess these are fairly typical pregnancy symptoms too though.

My midwife appointment isn't until end of September and in the meantime I'm not sure what I should do. Is it safe to totally stop any anti depressant without weaning? Now I have stopped do I just stick with it and wait for these symptoms to pass (providing my anxiety stays low?)

Just wondering how others have navigated this during pregnancy I guess.

Bump

You should really talk to your GP and chat through all the options. It may be better for you to stay on the medication, as poor mental health in pregnancy can also have adverse affects. I’m on a similar medication and decided to stay on it for both my pregnancies (in discussion with the dr) although everyone’s circumstances are different. For me I’ve been on the drug for more than 10 years and had horrendous relapses the times I’ve tried to come off it, which is why I decided it was less of a risk to stay on the medication. But it is a very individual choice/decision - good luck in your pregnancy! Xx

Thank you for replying :)

My own personal brand of anxiety was usually brought on by situational factors. I struggled in certain social situations, travel, unfamiliar places and so on. But that was made a lot worse during lockdown and since the world has opened up again I've been pushing myself to go more places and do feel stronger.

The GP who prescribed my citalopram in the first instance wasn't great. She didn't really listen to what I was saying and seemed to just want to get me off the phone. So wouldn't feel all that confident in discussing this at length with her. I'm wondering now if I ought to have maybe started taking a tablet every other day to wean myself down but now I've stopped for a week I'm reluctant to go back especially as I don't feel that bad aside from the dizziness.

Just not sure what to do

What dose were you on?

I’m taking 20mg of it and am 14 weeks.

20mg also.

From what I've researched, you can take it during pregnancy and stopping suddenly can have adverse affects to your mental health that can be problematic. However I guess I'm thinking if I can cope alright without, maybe now is the right time to stop. I just don't know

I took 20mg throughout all of my pregnancies. The risks to my mental health if not taking it were higher than the risks to my pregnancies

Also taking 20mg and I’m 13 weeks. Drs and midwives said it was ok to keep taking it

I'd been on 20mg Citalopram for years - which I reduced to 10 mg very gradually pre-pregnancy as I shared your concerns. But doctors and nurses have told me to stay on my current dose during pregnancy (I'm currently 10 weeks) because the risks of depression and anxiety getting worse due to pregnancy hormonal changes and the tiredness caused by a new born are apparently more likely than side effects to the fetus.

Only you know if you can manage without it - but I'd certainly consider cutting down slowly so you don't risk withdrawal (I broke my 20mg in half and started alternating 10 mg and 20mg daily for a few weeks before I stuck to 10mg).

Does it matter that I've already stopped for a week? I mean will it mess me up more to start retaking it and going through the 'starter' symptoms again? Hopefully it's not been long enough for that :/

I stopped immediately but it wasn't good for me. I struggled for 23 weeks completely depressed with a 5 y.o.
Eventually my consultant advised me to take it from 23 weeks to avoid PND.
All was well. DS unfortunately has a lot of problems sensory issues and ASD possibly completely unrelated.

I read something on here that it could be related, there isn't evidence but anti depressants ASD link wasnt ruled out.

Given my mind wasn't exactly NT it could have been that plus DP's side has DC with autism.
The coming off them quick wasn't an issue.
Keep doing exercise, eat well, really try balance your mind by doing lovely things for you.

You need to speak with your GP (not getting advice on an online forum) before making any other changes OP. Good luck with everything x

Agree with pp - even if your GP is a nightmare to get appointments, it would really be worth a phone call to try to get advice about whether to restart the citalopram or leave it as it is now. I don't think my practice was at all happy when I reduced my meds pre-pregnancy without telling them (but it's so difficult to get through!).

You get a few side effects coming off Citralopram. I wasn't pregnant at the time of taking it/stopping taking it but was suffering a few side effects so decided to just white knuckle it through the depression (I spoke toy Dr before stopping)

I had poor sleep, mood swings, itching, night sweats, etc for about a month after stopping, so be mindful of this. Added to early pregnancy symptoms it may not be easy.

Speak to your GP, explain that you've been off the meds for a week now and see what they advise.

Congratulations on your pregnancy!

Thanks all. I will ring GP tomorrow and see what they say. Other than the dizziness I feel ok. A little spaced out maybe but no changes to mood, sleep or anything else.

My first appointment is also end of September and I am off Citalopram about 6 months but in week 8 of pregnancy now and struggling so doctor saying I cam go back on it. Still undecided what to do. But I will say this and hope it helps. Look after your own health too and not just the baby. Speak to doctor about coming off slowly but also dont feel you have to come off it if you need it to be strong and well! The risks are minuscule and the most recent research is actually showing citalopram as one of the safest. Check out podcast on it!
open.spotify.com/episode/70uLMNKZoNvcX3LmyE5GUV?si=exZ1NRhhQQycZridnLSAuw&utm_source=whatsapp&dl_branch=1

Mm yeh I definitely wouldn’t go coke turkey.
I actually had a chat to my gp yesterday about weaning down. I’m to alternate 20mg and 15mg for a week and then go on the 15mg for a month before another check in.

Mm yeh I definitely wouldn’t go coke turkey. As OP has already stopped it is done. Lots of women do it.

This is my concern. I have already stopped. It's done. I don't want to mess about by going on and off constantly. I tried calling my GP this morning but there were no appointments even for a phone consultation. May well be after the weekend when I get to speak to them and by then I will have been off the tablets for 2 weeks. I'm wondering if I ought to just see how I go and be very observant for any worrying signs. So far the dizziness has been the only notable thing I've experienced.

This is my concern. I have already stopped. It's done. I don't want to mess about by going on and off constantly.
I done the same it was find. I got fairly depressed around 13 weeks and went back on them at 23 weeks.
I regret not sticking it out for the 40 weeks.
Your call totally but at least I'd know DS had ASD because he has and not have a nagging guilt inside.

*fine