citalopram
Citalopram is used to treat depression. Citalopram is in a class of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It works by increasing the amount of serotonin, a natural substance in the brain that helps maintain mental balance.
Full drug information on MedlinePlus →This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Decisions about medication use during pregnancy or breastfeeding should be made with your healthcare provider.
Can taking citalopram affect fertility or make it harder to get pregnant?
It is not known whether citalopram can make it harder to get pregnant in humans. Studies in animals suggest that citalopram might lower fertility. Questions about fertility and medication use are best discussed with your healthcare provider.
Does taking citalopram increase the risk of miscarriage?
Miscarriage can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. A study on citalopram and escitalopram did not find an increased chance of miscarriage in people taking these medications. Any concerns about miscarriage risk should be reviewed with your healthcare provider.
Does taking citalopram increase the risk of birth defects?
About 3 out of 100 babies are born with a birth defect in the general population. Published information on more than 15,000 pregnancies exposed to citalopram or escitalopram has mostly not shown an increased chance of birth defects, though some studies have suggested a possible higher chance of heart or other defects. Most of those studies have limitations that make it hard to know if the medication or other factors were responsible, so individual situations should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Can taking citalopram during pregnancy cause other pregnancy-related complications?
Some studies suggest that use throughout pregnancy might increase the chance of preterm delivery and low birth weight, but underlying depression itself may also contribute, making the cause difficult to determine. Some, but not all, studies have also suggested a slightly higher chance of persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPH) in newborns when SSRIs are used in the second half of pregnancy, with an overall chance reported as less than 1%. Newborns exposed near delivery can also have temporary symptoms such as jitteriness, irritability, or feeding and breathing difficulties; your healthcare provider can help weigh these considerations.
Can taking citalopram during pregnancy affect the child's brain development, learning, or behavior?
One small study following 11 babies exposed to citalopram found no developmental differences at one year of age compared with unexposed children. Studies looking at SSRIs and ADHD or autism spectrum disorder have had mixed results, but most do not find an increased chance once factors such as family history are considered. Long-term developmental questions are best discussed with your healthcare provider.
Is it safe to breastfeed while taking citalopram?
Citalopram passes into breast milk in small amounts. Most studies have not reported harmful effects or differences in intellectual development in breastfed infants, though there have been a few case reports of sleepiness and weight loss. If a baby seems very sleepy, feeds poorly, or has poor weight gain, the child's healthcare provider should be contacted, and any breastfeeding questions should be discussed with your provider.
Source: National Library of Medicine
citalopram