Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility while taking citalopram

Citalopram and pregnancy

Citalopram can be used in pregnancy. Some studies have suggested that citalopram might occasionally affect the development of a baby’s heart. However, if there is any risk, it is small, and most babies born to women taking citalopram have a normal heart.

When citalopram is taken in the weeks before delivery it can sometimes cause short-term withdrawal symptoms and, very rarely, breathing problems in the baby. Your baby will be checked after birth and given extra care if needed.

Taking citalopram in the last month of pregnancy may slightly increase your risk of bleeding after delivery. However, because this side-effect is rare and treatable, it is not a reason to stop taking citalopram for most pregnant women.

It is important that mental health problems are well treated since these can affect both you and your baby’s wellbeing. Depression and anxiety can sometimes get worse during pregnancy, and after the baby’s born.

Speak to your doctor if you get pregnant. They will help you weigh up the risks and benefits so you can decide on the best treatment for you and your baby.

Citalopram and breastfeeding

If your doctor or health visitor says your baby is healthy, you can take citalopram while breastfeeding.

Citalopram passes into breast milk in fairly small amounts. It has often been used during breastfeeding without any problems but has been linked with side effects, including poor feeding, colic, and being unusually sleepy, irritable or restless, in a very small number of breastfed babies.

If you notice that your baby has any of these side effects, or you have any other concerns about them, talk to your health visitor, midwife, pharmacist or doctor as soon as possible.

Although other medicines that pass into breast milk in smaller amounts might be preferred while you are breastfeeding, it is important you take the medicine that works for you. If you are breastfeeding, or planning to breastfeed, talk to your doctor or pharmacist to help you decide what is best for you.

It's important to continue taking citalopram to keep you well. Breastfeeding will also benefit both you and your baby.

Citalopram and fertility

Citalopram may possibly reduce sperm quality, but it's not known whether this reduces male fertility or not. Speak to your doctor if you're having difficulty conceiving a baby.

For women, there's no evidence to suggest that taking citalopram will reduce your fertility. Speak to a pharmacist or your doctor if you're trying to get pregnant as they may want to review your treatment.

Find out more about how citalopram can affect you and your baby on the Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy (BUMPS) website.