Can I Take Antidepressants When Pregnant?
If you take antidepressants and have just found out you're pregnant — or if you're struggling with low mood and wondering whether medication is an option — this is an important question. The short answer is: do not stop antidepressants suddenly, and speak to your GP or psychiatrist as soon as possible. For many people, continuing antidepressants during pregnancy is the safest choice for both them and their baby.
Quick Answer
Antidepressants in pregnancy: Some antidepressants are considered appropriate to use during pregnancy. Sertraline is often preferred as the first-choice SSRI because there is more data on its use in pregnancy. However, the right decision for you depends entirely on your individual circumstances — and that decision should always be made with your healthcare team, not on your own.
Never stop antidepressants suddenly — doing so can cause withdrawal effects and a rapid return of depression symptoms, both of which carry their own risks during pregnancy.
Is It Safe to Take Antidepressants in Pregnancy?
This is a question of balancing risks, and the balance is different for everyone. Untreated depression and anxiety in pregnancy carry real risks — to the mother's wellbeing, to pregnancy outcomes, and to the early relationship between parent and baby. At the same time, some antidepressants have been associated with specific considerations that your doctor will want to discuss with you.SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are the class most commonly prescribed in pregnancy. Sertraline (Zoloft/Lustral) has the largest evidence base in pregnancy and is most frequently recommended when starting medication during pregnancy. Fluoxetine (Prozac) is also commonly used. Your GP or psychiatrist will take into account which medication you're already on, how well it's working, and whether switching is appropriate.
SNRIs (such as venlafaxine and duloxetine) may also be appropriate in some situations — your doctor will advise.
Older antidepressants (tricyclics, MAOIs) have fewer data and are generally not the first choice in pregnancy, though they may be continued if they are the medication that works best for you and the benefits outweigh the risks.
The NHS and NICE guidelines are clear that mental health conditions in pregnancy should be treated — leaving depression or anxiety untreated is not a "safe" neutral option.
NHS Guidance
The NHS advises that pregnant women who are already taking antidepressants should not stop them without speaking to their doctor first. Stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms and rapid relapse of depression, both of which can be harmful during pregnancy.If you are not already taking antidepressants but are struggling with your mental health during pregnancy, speak to your GP or midwife. They can assess your symptoms and discuss all treatment options, including therapy (such as CBT, which is available on the NHS) as well as medication where appropriate.
Your GP may refer you to a specialist perinatal mental health team — these teams exist specifically to support people with mental health conditions during pregnancy and the postnatal period, and they are very experienced in navigating medication decisions.
Alternatives and Complementary Support
For some people, non-medication approaches are effective alongside or instead of antidepressants, depending on the severity of symptoms:- Talking therapy — cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is available on the NHS via your GP referral or through IAPT services (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies). There may be a wait, so it's worth asking early.
- Exercise — gentle activity such as walking, swimming, or pregnancy yoga can have a positive effect on mood
- Peer support — organisations such as PANDAS Foundation UK and MIND offer support for perinatal mental health
- Mindfulness — apps and NHS-supported programmes can complement other treatment
These are not replacements for professional medical treatment when medication is clinically needed. If your depression or anxiety is moderate to severe, please speak to your GP — do not rely on self-help approaches alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
### What if I already took antidepressants before knowing I was pregnant?Don't panic. Taking antidepressants before you knew you were pregnant is unlikely to have caused harm. Contact your GP or midwife and mention it at your booking appointment. They will review your medication and advise on the best plan going forward — which in many cases is to continue.
Can I buy antidepressants over the counter while pregnant?
Antidepressants are prescription-only medicines in the UK. You cannot buy them over the counter. If you are struggling with your mental health during pregnancy, speak to your GP who can assess you and prescribe appropriately.
Will antidepressants affect my baby after birth?
Some babies born to mothers taking SSRIs may show temporary adjustment symptoms in the days after birth, such as mild jitteriness or feeding difficulties. These are usually short-lived and manageable, and the neonatal team will be aware and supportive. Your GP or midwife will discuss this with you as part of your care plan.
Always speak to your midwife, GP, or perinatal mental health team for personal advice — they can help you weigh the options in the context of your own health and circumstances.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider.
Last reviewed: June 2026
Related articles: