Dosulepin and pregnancy
Dosulepin is rarely taken during pregnancy, so its effects are not well known.
It's important that your mental health is well treated during pregnancy as it can affect you and your baby's wellbeing. Depression and anxiety can sometimes get worse during pregnancy and after your baby is born.
Talk to your doctor if you are taking dosulepin and are planning a pregnancy or become pregnant. They will help you weigh up the risks and benefits so you can decide on the best treatment for you and your baby.
Dosulepin and breastfeeding
If your doctor or health visitor says your baby is healthy, you can take dosulepin while breastfeeding.
Dosulepin passes into breast milk in very small amounts and has not been linked with side effects in breastfed babies.
Although other medicines might be preferred while you are breastfeeding, it is important you take the medicine that works for you. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to help you decide.
It is important to continue taking dosulepin to keep you well. Breastfeeding will also benefit both you and your baby.
If you notice that your baby is not feeding as well as usual, seems unusually sleepy, restless or irritable, is constipated or not peeing as much, or if you have any other concerns about your baby, then talk to your health visitor, pharmacist or doctor as soon as possible.
Dosulepin and fertility
There's no clear evidence to suggest that taking dosulepin will reduce fertility in either men or women.
However, speak to a pharmacist or your doctor before taking it if you're trying to get pregnant.
Non-urgent advice: Tell your doctor if you're:
- trying to get pregnant
- pregnant
- breastfeeding
Find out more about how dosulepin can affect you and your baby during pregnancy on the Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy (BUMPS) website.