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[Lindsay]

Celexa Use in Pregnancy Relatively Safe: Study

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - The antidepressant citalopram (Celexa) may be used cautiously in pregnant women, according to a report from Canada. The researchers report no excess birth defect risk, although an increased risk of "poor neonatal adaptation syndrome" was seen with late use of the drug.

Symptoms of poor neonatal adaptation syndrome include jitteriness, irritability, eating and sleeping difficulties, convulsions, vomiting, and low blood sugar; these symptoms are usual transient and not life-threatening.

Overall, the researchers say, "our data suggest that pregnant women who require pharmacotherapy with citalopram may continue their treatment during pregnancy with close monitoring of their condition by a qualified medical professional."

Previous studies investigating the safety of citalopram during pregnancy failed to demonstrate an increased risk of birth defects, the authors further explain in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Nevertheless, some women choose to discontinue their drug therapy during pregnancy out of fear of harming the unborn child.

Anna Sivojelezova and colleagues from The Hospital for Sick Children and the University of Toronto, Ontario, investigated whether citalopram use during pregnancy was associated with an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, including birth defects and neonatal complications, in 396 women.

The researchers report in that among 108 women exposed to citalopram during the first trimester, only one baby was born with a major malformation, a case of umbilical and scrotal hernia necessitating surgical correction.

The rate of perinatal complications after third trimester exposure to citalopram was not increased over that in women not exposed to citalopram, but the risk of neonatal intensive care unit admission increased fourfold.

The investigators believe that the increased rate of neonatal intensive care unit admission may have resulted from an increased incidence of poor neonatal adaptation syndrome, which has previously been reported after late pregnancy exposure to citalopram and other so-called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). However, more study is needed to prove this mechanism beyond doubt, the authors say.

"In summary," the team writes, "our findings do not support an association between citalopram with any major teratogenic risk in humans."

SOURCE: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology

[agabluecat]

Thanks for posting this article! That was very informative. :)

[deps85]

Thanks for the information. It's really good...

I have found this bit of information:

celexa is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether celexa will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take celexa without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

So, for the ones new to this medication, it would be advisable to consult a doctor fisrt.

Edited by lizard, 24 May 2006 - 05:49 PM.

[jen78fl]

That is a really good article. Would this article apply to Lexapro use during pregnancy?

Celexa Use in Pregnancy Relatively Safe: Study

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - The antidepressant citalopram (Celexa) may be used cautiously in pregnant women, according to a report from Canada. The researchers report no excess birth defect risk, although an increased risk of "poor neonatal adaptation syndrome" was seen with late use of the drug.

Symptoms of poor neonatal adaptation syndrome include jitteriness, irritability, eating and sleeping difficulties, convulsions, vomiting, and low blood sugar; these symptoms are usual transient and not life-threatening.

Overall, the researchers say, "our data suggest that pregnant women who require pharmacotherapy with citalopram may continue their treatment during pregnancy with close monitoring of their condition by a qualified medical professional."

Previous studies investigating the safety of citalopram during pregnancy failed to demonstrate an increased risk of birth defects, the authors further explain in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Nevertheless, some women choose to discontinue their drug therapy during pregnancy out of fear of harming the unborn child.

Anna Sivojelezova and colleagues from The Hospital for Sick Children and the University of Toronto, Ontario, investigated whether citalopram use during pregnancy was associated with an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, including birth defects and neonatal complications, in 396 women.

The researchers report in that among 108 women exposed to citalopram during the first trimester, only one baby was born with a major malformation, a case of umbilical and scrotal hernia necessitating surgical correction.

The rate of perinatal complications after third trimester exposure to citalopram was not increased over that in women not exposed to citalopram, but the risk of neonatal intensive care unit admission increased fourfold.

The investigators believe that the increased rate of neonatal intensive care unit admission may have resulted from an increased incidence of poor neonatal adaptation syndrome, which has previously been reported after late pregnancy exposure to citalopram and other so-called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). However, more study is needed to prove this mechanism beyond doubt, the authors say.

"In summary," the team writes, "our findings do not support an association between citalopram with any major teratogenic risk in humans."

SOURCE: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology

[adeje]

i have been wondering about citalopram and pregnancy for a while, thanks xx

[Era]

Thank you for posting this - i'm on celexa long term now and my partner and I do want kids so its nice to know.

[sireneh]

Now, I'm just one little anecdote, but I started taking Celexa (20 mg to start) 15 weeks into my second pregnancy. I did not reduce my dosage or stop taking it near the end. Baby was born perfectly healthy and showed no effects at all from the Celexa. I continue to take it now (50 mg now) and am still breast feeding her at 13 months. She has never been anything but a healthy, even-tempered, energetic baby.

Just thought I'd share in case anyone finds all that reassuring. Oh, and I know at least two other women whose experiences taking Celexa during pregnancy and while breastfeeding were very similar to mine.

[Aparichit]

Few, medications have been proved safe without question during pregnancy.Research continues, however and the latest studies on anti depressants and pregnancy offer some reassurance.Overall the risk of birth defects and other problems for babies of mother who take anti depressants during pregnancy is very low other antidepressant are fluoxetine, paroxetine and sertraline.

[bumblebee]

Now, I'm just one little anecdote, but I started taking Celexa (20 mg to start) 15 weeks into my second pregnancy. I did not reduce my dosage or stop taking it near the end. Baby was born perfectly healthy and showed no effects at all from the Celexa. I continue to take it now (50 mg now) and am still breast feeding her at 13 months. She has never been anything but a healthy, even-tempered, energetic baby.

Just thought I'd share in case anyone finds all that reassuring. Oh, and I know at least two other women whose experiences taking Celexa during pregnancy and while breastfeeding were very similar to mine.

Thanks for this reassuring information. I'm 18 weeks into my pregnancy and just started taking Citalophram/Celexa for the first time. I'm on 10mgs to start with. I was really nervous about it being as I'm pregnant but doctor reassures me he has used it sparingly with other pregnant women and its really helped them.

I read that its adviseable to stop taking them a few weeks before delivery? Did you do this or is it not necessary? I'm a little worried about coming off them sudden;y just as I give birth and feeling very overwhelmed?

[havenly]

Thanks for such a great article.

I just started taking Citalopram - generic, without any brand. Can I assume that it is the same as other brand like Celexa that it is safe to pregnancy??

[Jane69]

hiya,

I have a friend taking an SSRI- not sure which one- she has just given birth to a very healthy baby boy. She had her baby through IVF and her specialist said he had dealt with hundreds of women taking SSRIs during pregnancy and seen no problems.....hope that helps! I am currently taking escitralopram and would like to conceive so it has really put my mind at rest.

[blerg]

I have been on Celexa for years and continued on a lower dose (10mg) during pregnancy. I gave birth to a perfectly healthy baby girl 6 months ago, and she is great. All my fears of medication side effects on baby have gone out the window. I am still on 10mg breastfeeding her. The 10mg is enough to keep me healthy, but I have more irrational thoughts and mood swings than I believe I would if I were on a higher dosage. I think I'll try to bump up the dosage once I'm through BF'ing. Thank goodness for Celexa.

[Forum Admin]

If there are more questions about the use of SSRI's and Pregnancy, please see Our Posting Asking and Sharing Forum.
Thank you
~Lindsay

[itsjustmoi]

Thanks for this pinned thread. I am contemplating Lexapro during pregnancy as other medications have not worked.

[flis31]

Just wanted to add that I was on 20mg of Citalopram through both my pregnancies and whilst breastfeeding and my babies were very healthy with no problems. Obviously only one case, but might be reassuring for people. I was under close monitorting by consultant and midwives through my pregnancy tho.

[Map0722]

I took celexa all of my pregnancy and had a baby born with transpositon and a coarctation both major heart defects requiring my son to have open heart surgery after birth. In no way do I feel this drug is safe during pregnancy.

[tc76]

I took celexa all of my pregnancy and had a baby born with transpositon and a coarctation both major heart defects requiring my son to have open heart surgery after birth. In no way do I feel this drug is safe during pregnancy.

map0722, i also took celexa while pregnant and my daughter was also born with coarctation of the aorta, bicuspid aortic valve and vsd. she also needed heart surgury when only 10 day old, i also dont believe
this medication is safe while pregnant.

[ArtVandelay]

Just some info...

Recently, the public has become more aware that the antidepressant drug Celexa which is prescribed to treat depression has been associated with serious birth defects problems. Celexa is a medication known as a serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) manufactured by Forest Laboratories. Many women of childbearing age have taken antidepressant medications such as Celexa during pregnancy and subsequently had a child born with congenital birth defects.

These antidepressant drugs, which include Paxil, Prozac and Zoloft, have different side effects for the unborn child associated with them including the increase risk of premature birth, breathing problems, gastrointestinal side effects and motor problems. The exact degree of risk of Celexa birth defects is currently unknown, however the risk of developing complications has been reported in babies following use of these medications. Women taking this drug during their pregnancy can expose their baby to the medication while in the womb leading to the development of a Celexa birth defect.

These antidepressant drugs, which include Paxil, Prozac and Zoloft, have different side effects for the unborn child associated with them including the increase risk of premature birth, breathing problems, gastrointestinal side effects and motor problems. The exact degree of risk of Celexa birth defects is currently unknown, however the risk of developing complications has been reported in babies following use of these medications. Women taking this drug during their pregnancy can expose their baby to the medication while in the womb leading to the development of a Celexa birth defect.

Celexa And Pregnancy Birth Defects Include:

• PPHN (persistent pulmonary hypertension)
• Abdominal Birth Defects
• Heart Birth Defects
• Cranial Birth Defects


In 2004, the Food and Drug Administration released a warning against the use of certain antidepressants for women in the late third trimester of pregnancy. The warning stated that doctors may want to gradually taper pregnant women off antidepressant medications in the third trimester so that the baby is not adversely affected. After a woman delivers, she should consult with her doctor to decide whether to return to a full dose of the antidepressant medication during the period when she is most vulnerable to problems such as postpartum depression.

In 2006, the Food and Drug Administration issued a safety alert regarding the increased risk of persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN) which is a serious and life-threatening lung condition that occurs soon after birth. The FDA alert covered SSRI drugs like Celexa along with other antidepressant medications.

Sources: ~ 7 Studies/Articles in The New England Journal of Medicine.

Edited by ArtVandelay, 27 October 2011 - 05:54 PM.

[miffysmom]

I took Cipralex 10mg during my entire pregnancy in 2009 and my baby was born 100% healthy.

[ArtVandelay]

I took Cipralex 10mg during my entire pregnancy in 2009 and my baby was born 100% healthy.

That is awesome about your pregnancy, I am glad your baby was born 100% healthy.... children are certainly a blessing.

However, all SSRI/SNRI can have a risk for unborn babies. Here is a list of what is know today:

• Atrial Septal Defects (ASD)
• Ventricular Septal Defects (VSD)
• Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN)
• Tricuspid Valve (Ebstein's Anomaly)
• Mitral Valve Prolapse
• Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA)
• Transposition of the Great Vessels (TGV)
• Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF)
• Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS)
• Hypoplastic Right Heart Syndrome (HRHS)
• Tricuspid Atresia
• Aortic Stenosis
• Pulmonary Atresia (PA)
• Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)
• Coarctation of the Aorta
• Truncus Arteriosus
• Tricuspid Valve Stenosis
• Heart Murmur
• Pulmonary Stenosis
• Gastroschisis – abdominal wall defect
• Esophageal Stenosis
• Clubfoot
• Anal Atresia
• Spina Bifida
• Autism

Reuters Health
NEW YORK | Fri Sep 25, 2009 9:58am EDT

Summary:

Paragraph one reads: "If you take antidepressants such as fluoxetine (marketed as Prozac) early in your pregnancy, you may be doubling the risk that your newborn will be born with a heart defect, according to a new study."

Paragraph four reads: "Along with fluoxetine, sertraline (marketed as Zoloft) and citalopram (marketed as Celexa) seemed to increase the risk more than others, as did using more than one antidepressant at a time, according to the report in the September 25th Online First issue of BMJ."

Paragraph six reads: "Sertraline more than tripled the risk, while citalopram more than doubled it. Using more than one SSRI nearly quintupled the risk of the heart defect."

Reuters Health --> http://www.reuters.c...E58O39F20090925

[neferthys]

Thanks for posting this. I've been going through weeks of hell now. Last week in a trip to the emergency room (you guessed it I was convinced I was having a heart attack or lung cancer) anyway.. since then it has just positively escalated.. I've been freaking out and shaking so much. My doctor referred me to a therapist and he started with me yesterday. God how the days drag by. Anyway when him and the doctor said I couldn't have any Diazepam because I was pregnant I swung full into a panic attack. But it's not only the panic attacks, in between my fear is heightened. If its between 1 and 10 then my fear is a constant 7, with PA sending it right up to 10.

Earlier today turned into a bit of a good day, but tonight it's bad. I just don't know what to do because everything I can take for short term relief is not allowed :(

Currently I am on day 2 of Citalopram (sp?) this afternoon I could have sworn it cured me but then this evening.. back to the panic/anxiety.. which is constant.. not like a 30 minute come and go.. but a constant level.

[Danyellmcc]

I took celexa as well in the last two trimesters. My dr thought the depression and anxiety would cause more harm. My daughter was healthy and is super smart at 4 years!!