Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility while taking amitriptyline for depression

If you're already taking amitriptyline to treat depression, you may be advised to continue taking it during pregnancy.

There's no concern that amitriptyline will affect your baby's development. If you take amitriptyline around the time you give birth, your baby will be monitored after they're born for temporary withdrawal effects such as problems with sleeping and feeding.

If you become pregnant while taking amitriptyline, speak to your doctor. You do not need to stop taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to do so.

If your baby is healthy, you can take amitriptyline while breastfeeding. Always check with a pharmacist or doctor first.

Amitriptyline passes into breast milk in very small amounts, and has only been linked with side effects in very few breastfed babies.

It's important to keep taking amitriptyline to keep you well. Breastfeeding will also benefit both you and your baby.

It's very rare for breastfed babies to have side effects from medicines you're taking. But it's important to keep monitoring your baby if you're taking any medicine while breastfeeding.

Contact your healthcare professional or call 111 as soon as possible if you notice that your baby:

• is not feeding as well as usual or putting on weight as you would expect
• seems unusually sleepy
• seems restless or irritable
• is constipated
• is not peeing as much (not producing as many wet nappies)

If your baby has any symptoms that are not listed, or if you're worried about them, you can also call 111 or contact any healthcare professional.

Carry on taking the medicine, and keep breastfeeding as usual until you've got advice about your baby's symptoms.

It's important not to share a bed with your baby while you're taking amitriptyline.