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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can Cipralex For Depression Be Taken During Pregnancy?

I an on Cipralex for depression for at least four years I just found put I am pregnant and not sure how far along I am maybe 10 weeks max I really concerned as the tried to reduce my tablets from 20mg a day to 15mg and after a week I was in a very bad way. Should I stop this medication? Or is it safe to continue I don t know how I will cope with out them!
Mon, 23 Nov 2015
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OBGYN,  's  Response
Hi,

Citalopram, should not be discontinued without consultation with your psychiatrist as it can cause your depression to come back, which can affect you and your baby.
It is best that you have a joint meeting with your Obstetrician and Psychiatrist regarding your pregnancy plan.
Citalopram is more a cause of concern when taken in the last few months of pregnancy as it can cause a problem in a small number of babies where the baby can have pulmanory hypertesnion(heart problem). For this a fetal 2D ECHO(special ultrasound) is required for monitoring of the baby.
Generally if your depression is under control then cognitive behavioral therapy sessions with your psychiatrist can be given and the drug gradually tapered.
But in most patients it is safer to continue the drug and prevent depressive attacks in pregnancy.
Also you may have postpartum depression which needs to be looked for.

Hope this helps.
Regards.
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Can Cipralex For Depression Be Taken During Pregnancy?

Hi, Citalopram, should not be discontinued without consultation with your psychiatrist as it can cause your depression to come back, which can affect you and your baby. It is best that you have a joint meeting with your Obstetrician and Psychiatrist regarding your pregnancy plan. Citalopram is more a cause of concern when taken in the last few months of pregnancy as it can cause a problem in a small number of babies where the baby can have pulmanory hypertesnion(heart problem). For this a fetal 2D ECHO(special ultrasound) is required for monitoring of the baby. Generally if your depression is under control then cognitive behavioral therapy sessions with your psychiatrist can be given and the drug gradually tapered. But in most patients it is safer to continue the drug and prevent depressive attacks in pregnancy. Also you may have postpartum depression which needs to be looked for. Hope this helps. Regards.