In for a penny, in for a pound - any ladies out there like to share their knowledge or experiences about conceiving while taking antidepressants?

Now, I've done some research myself, and spoken to staff on our Motherhood and Mental Health team, and the general gist seems to be that SSRIs are not safe, but only because there aren't RCTs for them. The suggestion is to get off them, or cross-titrate to a tricyclic antidepressant (which they know a lot more about because they've been around for longer).

I've been reducing my medication for the past 6 months having been on SSRI's for the best part of 15 years. At the moment I'm on one called escitalopram, which is a variant of the better known citalopram. I take 10mg one day, followed by 5mg the next, and over the next month or so I should get this down to 5mg daily (which is below the recommended daily dose). About three months ago I was taking 20mg a day so I'm already making in-roads!

I had my coil taken out last Friday (American Independence Day - how ironic!) My GP is fairly laid back about what I'm doing, but the GP who took out my coil was looking down her nose at me a bit, like I was being irresponsible...

So now of course I feel terrible, and like I shouldn't dream of having unprotected sex in case I do fall pregnant and taint my offspring with the unknown horrors of SSRIs.

I'd appreciate your feedback!

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I don't really know anything about this subject but just wanted to say well done for the progress you have made in reducing your medication and to pay no attention to the nose in the air GP, if you GP is fine with it, who is she to judge you? If you are worried why not have a chat with your own GP?

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Mum to two beautiful boys.
Student Midwife 2008!!
Student Midwife University Student Representative

Thanks Rachael! I think the problem is that my knowledge base has actually passed my doctor's, because I have done so much reading on it, but unlike writing an assignment, I'm finding it hard to reach a conclusion because of the emotive aspect - argh!

I'm due to see my doc again at the end of the month, and I'll bring it up then...

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Nikki, if you read all you can and you still have doubts, it is likely that if you get pregnant whilst still taking these drugs you will feel worry and stress throughout your pregnancy. Unless you can eradicate these doubts, I would suggest you wait until you have changed your medication to one that is considered safe.

I hope you come to a decision that suits you soon x

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Mum to two beautiful boys.
Student Midwife 2008!!
Student Midwife University Student Representative

Nikki, do you mind me asking are you trying to concieve?

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Please help us raise funds for a bereavement room in Honey's memory by taking part in the SMNET Auction & Raffle here thanks x

Sooz: My coil had reached the end of its lifespan, and I made a decision with my husband not to replace it. We are not using contraception when we have sex, but we are not actively trying to conceive (no thermometers or calendar watching), but in effect we are (does that make sense?)

I'm 32, and ticking like a good 'un, but the hubby is worse as he's 38 and doesn't want to be an old Dad.

Rachael: see above, but also bear in mind that the main reason they say TCAs are safer is because they do have some evidence through trials. For me the absence of evidence doesn't make SSRIs worse that TCAs. I'm also a great advocate of risk assessment, and the risk to me of taking a small amount of a prescription medicine, is definitely outweighed by the risks that other women take (with drugs etc) and the risk of leaving it too late and being unable to have children.

I guess what I'm saying is that I'm mostly happy with my decision to dice with destiny, but that I do appreciate the opinions of others, and relish a healthy debate! I'm also not going to stress about this - stress is one thing I'm pretty au fait with, and have a battalion of coping mechanisms to help me!

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Hey Nikki, you have done so well, huge hugs to you. A brave lady.

SSRI's have been found to be tetarogenic, maybe they won't do RCT'S as it would not be ethical.

We found that the risks to the fetus are talipes, withdrawal, blocked tearducts (can't remember the fancy name) IUGR and a couple of others too. It is stated though that the risks may be outweighed by the benefits of keeping some women on low-does SSRI's so you may need to consult your doctor at some point

She should not be judgmental towards you, that make me cross.

Good luck to you, fingers crossed

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Thanks smwife You got a reference for your info? I'd appreciate having a closer look...

I'm going to rhythm-method it for this month, then I'll be seeing the docs.
Above all, I'm not going to beat myself up though xxx

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check out Sue Jordan Pharmacology for Midwives. Loads on info there. also the BNF should help
there are of course risks with any drug that you take, but many women on low dose do conceive and have no problems.
x

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Site Administrator, Student Mentor Scheme Manager

STMW 2nd year - no, really!

Please help us raise funds for a bereavement room in Honey's memory by taking part in the SMNET Auction & Raffle here thanks x

We worked on it in class, we used the BNF, Jordans and pharmacology for midwives too. And the midwifes pharmocopeia I think

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