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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Alara on August 15, 2003, at 4:42:09
Just wondering if anybody could offer some advice:
Today my doctor confirmed that I am 3 weeks pregnant. (It is 3 weeks since conception and 5.5 weeks since my last period.)
I currently take 20mg a day of Celexa/Cipramil and need to wean off it as quickly as possible while holding down a full time job. It is Friday night here in Australia, so I could probably begin by missing my Saturday and Monday doses.
Where should I go from there?Hoping for a happy healthy baby in mid April. :-)
Thanks,
Alara
Posted by KimMcD on August 15, 2003, at 8:12:24
In reply to Pregnant! Emergency Celexa (Cipramil) Withdrawal, posted by Alara on August 15, 2003, at 4:42:09
Did your Dr. tell you you needed to stop taking the Celexa? I had a friend who simply reduced her celexa dosage while she was pregnant and had no complications related to taking it while pregnant...I know the research on this is sketchy, and I know you wouldnt want to take any chances with your baby...but perhaps you should do a bit more and see what studies have been done, what the current opinions are from psyche doctors, etc?
Posted by stjames on August 15, 2003, at 10:21:17
In reply to Pregnant! Emergency Celexa (Cipramil) Withdrawal, posted by Alara on August 15, 2003, at 4:42:09
It is Friday night here in Australia, so I could probably begin by missing my Saturday and Monday doses.
> Where should I go from there?
>Weaning is not stopping on Saturday and Monday doses. You must reduce the dose over several weeks to a month. I would just stay on the
Celexa if your doc is OK with it.
Posted by mrporter1 on August 15, 2003, at 12:06:11
In reply to Re: Pregnant! Emergency Celexa (Cipramil) Withdrawal, posted by stjames on August 15, 2003, at 10:21:17
I would double check about going totally off the meds. The most important thing is that your baby has a happy, healthy mom. Being depressed can be more of a stressor (before and after pregnancy) than most other things. Maybe get some more info??
Congratulations!!
Posted by Sabina on August 15, 2003, at 12:29:17
In reply to Pregnant! Emergency Celexa (Cipramil) Withdrawal, posted by Alara on August 15, 2003, at 4:42:09
I also had a friend who took Celexa during pregnancy. In her case it was a really matter of the benefits outweighing the risks. I don't know how strongly you rely on this med to keep yourself functioning, but going off all meds may be too harsh of an option in addition to nausea, hormonal and physical changes and other stressors of pregnancy. My friend reduced to a very low dosage during the first three months only, then continued as before during the rest of the pregnancy and decided not to breast feed. She had a healthy baby boy who is now a year old. Congratulations on the news and good luck!
Posted by Alara on August 15, 2003, at 21:41:54
In reply to Re: Pregnant! Emergency Celexa (Cipramil) Withdrawal, posted by Sabina on August 15, 2003, at 12:29:17
Thanks everyone. My doctor and I both feel that my depression has been in remission for long enough for me to try life without it. (One of the main reasons that I went on it in the first place had a lot to do with a sudden return to full-time work after a long period of social and occupational isolation; I have now settled into the job and am feeling more comfortable and secure both there and within myself.)
Since the data on SSRI use during pregnacy is sketchy, we both decided that I should try to withdraw now as an ideal measure. If, a couple of weeks down the track, I begin to struggle, then we can review the decision.
If I was to withdraw, would it be better to taper by taking a reduced dose each day or by taking the same 20mg dose on alternate days? Is a week too quick a withdrawal time?
Thanks again,
Alara
Posted by KimMcD on August 15, 2003, at 22:01:16
In reply to Re: Pregnant! Emergency Celexa (Cipramil) Withdrawal, posted by Alara on August 15, 2003, at 21:41:54
When I've tapered off an SSRI, I did it in stages-decreasing my dosage by 50% for a week, then decrease another 50% for a week, etc. Your Dr. didnt suggest the best way to go off it?
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