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Disclaimer: This guide is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always confirm medicine, supplement and product decisions with your obstetrician, midwife, pharmacist or healthcare provider.

Medication

Is Citalopram Safe During Pregnancy?

Published 2026-07-25 | By SafeMama Editorial Team | Editorial policy

Is Citalopram Safe During Pregnancy? pregnancy safety guide image

Short answer

Citalopram may be continued during pregnancy when it is the best mental-health treatment for you, but decisions should be individualized with your prescriber and pregnancy clinician.

Individual SSRI risk-benefit decision

What is the safest way to think about this?

MotherToBaby reports that some studies have linked citalopram or escitalopram use with outcomes such as preterm delivery or low birth weight, while untreated depression can also increase pregnancy risks. The useful answer is a risk-benefit plan, not a blanket yes or no.

What is generally okay?

  • Review citalopram with the clinician treating your mental health and the clinician managing your pregnancy.
  • Ask about benefits of staying stable, dose, other medicines, bleeding risk, late-pregnancy newborn monitoring and therapy support.
  • If changing treatment, ask for a taper or switching plan rather than stopping abruptly.

What should you avoid or double-check?

  • Avoid stopping citalopram suddenly without prescriber guidance.
  • Avoid combining citalopram with other serotonin-affecting medicines or supplements without pharmacist review.
  • Avoid ignoring worsening mood, panic, self-harm thoughts, severe insomnia or serotonin-syndrome symptoms.

How SafeMama helps

SafeMama can flag citalopram, Celexa, escitalopram, Lexapro, SSRIs, serotonin-related interactions and breastfeeding questions so users can prepare a complete medication review.

Open the SafeMama app, scan the barcode or search the ingredient, then use the result as a starting point for a conversation with your healthcare provider.

Sources

Frequently asked questions

Is Celexa the same as citalopram?

Yes. Celexa is a citalopram brand. Escitalopram, or Lexapro, is related but not identical.

Should I switch from citalopram to sertraline while pregnant?

Do not switch on your own. Prior response, relapse risk, side effects, breastfeeding plans and pregnancy timing all matter.

Can untreated depression matter in pregnancy?

Yes. Untreated depression or anxiety can affect sleep, nutrition, functioning, prenatal care and safety, so medication decisions should include both exposure and illness risks.

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