Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility while taking duloxetine

Duloxetine and pregnancy

Duloxetine is not generally recommended in pregnancy because there is not much information on whether it may affect the developing baby. But if duloxetine was working well for you before you got pregnant, then it may be reasonable to keep taking it during pregnancy. Discuss this with your doctor or midwife.

If you take duloxetine in the weeks before birth 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 additional care if needed.

Taking duloxetine in the last month of pregnancy may slightly increase your risk of bleeding after delivery. However, because this side effect is rare, it is not a reason to stop taking duloxetine while pregnant.

It is important that mental health problems are well treated since these can affect both your and your baby's wellbeing. Depression and anxiety can sometimes get worse during pregnancy and after your baby has been 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.

Duloxetine and breastfeeding

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

Duloxetine gets into breast milk in very small amounts, and has not been known to cause side effects in breastfed babies.

If you're breastfeeding, or planning to breastfeed, talk to your doctor or pharmacist as other medicines might be better while breastfeeding. It is important that you take the medicine that works for you.

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

If you notice that your baby is not feeding as well as usual or seems unusually sleepy, irritable or restless, or you have any other concerns about your baby, talk to your health visitor, midwife, pharmacist or doctor as soon as possible.

Duloxetine and fertility

There's no clear evidence to suggest that taking duloxetine reduces fertility in either men or women.

But speak to your doctor before taking it if you're trying to get pregnant.

For more information about how duloxetine can affect you and your baby during pregnancy, visit the Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy (BUMPS) website.