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Is it safe to take antidepressants while pregnant?

Author

Mason Cooper

Published May 15, 2026

Is it safe to take antidepressants while pregnant?

SSRIs are generally considered an option during pregnancy, including citalopram (Celexa) and sertraline (Zoloft). Potential complications include maternal weight changes and premature birth. Most studies show that SSRIs aren’t associated with birth defects.

Can antidepressants cause miscarriage?

Conclusions: Antidepressant use in the first trimester is associated with an increased risk of miscarriage when compared with either nondepressed or depressed unexposed women, even after accounting for induced abortions.

Can antidepressants interfere with conceiving?

According to the research, sperm exposed to anti-depressants has increased DNA fragmentation compared to sperm that has never been exposed to anti-depressants. This may affect the ability of sperm to fertilize an egg. What’s more, anti-depressants can also decrease libido, which in turn can be a cause of infertility.

Which antidepressants are most commonly used during pregnancy?

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most used class of antidepressants during pregnancy….Some of the most common SSRIs prescribed to treat depression during pregnancy include:

  • Celexa (citalopram)
  • Lexapro (escitalopram)
  • Luvox (fluvoxamine)
  • Paxil (paroxetine)
  • Prozac (fluoxetine)
  • Zoloft (sertraline)

Can I take 100mg of Zoloft while pregnant?

According to Dr. Ross, a safe and recommended dose of Zoloft begins at 25 mg to 50 mg per day. For moderate to severe depression, Dr. Ross says doses up to 200 mg are deemed safe to use during pregnancy. When managing antidepressants during pregnancy, Dr. Lagoy says he strives to give the minimum dose possible.

Do I have to stop taking my antidepressants when pregnant?

Women who take antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), during pregnancy may worry about whether the medications can cause birth defects. There is good news on this front. Osborne says that there is generally no need to taper off medications during pregnancy.

Can antidepressants cause ectopic pregnancy?

Conclusions: This study’s findings suggest that women who have a prepregnancy depression diagnosis are at a slightly increased risk of ectopic pregnancy, and among women who have a prepregnancy depression diagnosis, the use of antidepressants around conception does not increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy.

Do antidepressants stop ovulation?

Women taking serotonin uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) to help them cope with infertility are actually increasing their serum prolactin to an unhealthy level. This hyperprolactinemia, in turn, blocks ovulation.

Does Zoloft cause autism?

The increased risk was limited to a family of antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) that includes drugs such as Paxil, Prozac, Zoloft and Celexa. SSRIs were linked to a more than doubled risk of autism.

What is the safest antidepressant during pregnancy?

SSRIs: Most SSRI drugs are considered the safest antidepressants to take during pregnancy with the exception of Paxil.

  • Wellbutrin: One atypical antidepressant option that is commonly utilized to treat depression is that of Wellbutrin.
  • Tricyclics: Older tricyclic drugs tend to work well for treating certain types of depression.
  • Are You at risk if you use antidepressants during pregnancy?

    Yes. A decision to use antidepressants during pregnancy, in addition to counseling, is based on the balance between risks and benefits. The biggest concern is typically the risk of birth defects from exposure to antidepressants.

    Do antidepressants increase risk of miscarriage?

    A new study suggests that certain types of antidepressants may increase the risk of miscarriage if used during early pregnancy, but even stopping use of the popular medications up to a year before getting pregnant may not help curtail the risk.

    Does taking antidepressants during pregnancy harm your baby?

    Overall, the risk of birth defects and other problems for babies of mothers who take antidepressants during pregnancy is very low. However, some antidepressants are associated with a higher risk of complications for your baby. Talking to your health care provider about your symptoms and medication options can help you make an informed decision.