Published on: 03 Apr 2023
Pregnancy is a time of pleasure and anticipation. Unfortunately, it may also be a time full of fear — particularly in case you’re coping with psychological well being situations like despair or nervousness. It’s legitimate to have considerations concerning the security of taking antidepressants like Lexapro, or some other kind of remedy, throughout your being pregnant.
For your peace of thoughts and your child’s security, it’s actually vital to discover the dangers related to Lexapro and being pregnant. Then you can also make an knowledgeable determination that’s best for you and your child. Learn extra about Lexapro throughout being pregnant right here — we’re discussing all the things it’s essential know.
Is Lexapro Safe During Pregnancy?
Can you’re taking Lexapro whereas pregnant? The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies the antidepressant remedy Lexapro as a “Pregnancy Category C” drug. Essentially, this implies threat can’t absolutely be dominated out, and extra analysis needs to be achieved. Thus, the FDA recommends consulting your physician earlier than deciding in case you ought to take Lexapro throughout being pregnant.
“Some studies show that Lexapro can cause problems with pregnancy, especially into the third trimester leading to respiratory problems with the newborn. Unfortunately, the beginning of pregnancy can sometimes trigger depression, so this is a question that’s better left to your doctor.”
Can Lexapro trigger delivery defects?
When discussing Lexapro and being pregnant, we should always level out that some analysis discovered that when moms took selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) throughout their being pregnant (Lexapro is an SSRI), the infants had a barely greater threat of growing sure congenital disabilities. However, it’s vital to notice that this elevated threat was minimal. Most infants had been born wholesome and with out problems associated to a mom’s use of SSRIs throughout being pregnant.
It’s extensively accepted that present analysis doesn’t essentially counsel withholding antidepressant remedy use, however the determination should be individualized and made by speaking together with your physician.
What Happens If You Take Lexapro While Pregnant
Multiple research appear to counsel that Lexapro seemingly gained’t improve the chance of great problems, however your physician won’t advocate it. The commonest Lexapro unwanted side effects skilled by a pregnant lady embrace the next.
Low delivery weight and preterm labor/delivery
Some research present that Lexapro could improve the chance of low delivery weight. It additionally may contribute to the probability of preterm delivery.
Withdrawal
One of Lexapro’s unwanted side effects for a pregnant lady could embrace withdrawal signs. Some infants born to moms who took sure drugs throughout being pregnant could expertise withdrawal signs. Common indicators of withdrawal can embrace extreme crying, tremors or shaking, poor feeding habits, sleep disturbances, irritability, and jitteriness.
What if You’re Already Taking Lexapro?
If you’re already taking Lexapro, it’s regular to fret and marvel — can you’re taking Lexapro whereas pregnant? The backside line: it’s essential to speak to your physician about this or some other remedy use.
You’ll wish to think about how stopping your antidepressant may have an effect on your psychological well being and well-being, after all. Unfortunately, for some individuals, discontinuing antidepressants can result in a relapse in despair signs and even suicidal ideas. If this occurs, it could put each mom and child in danger.
Your physician will provide help to weigh the potential dangers vs. advantages of stopping Lexapro throughout being pregnant. They’ll think about elements corresponding to your medical historical past and present psychological well being standing earlier than making a suggestion.
“It’s important to discuss starting or stopping any medication with your doctor, especially if you are pregnant. Medications like Lexapro are excellent for treating depression, however only your doctor can help you make the decision on whether or not the risks outweigh the benefits.”
Talk to a Psychiatrist About Safe Medications
When it involves psychological well being, remedy is usually a highly effective device in managing signs. However, within the case of Lexapro and being pregnant, the dangers should be fastidiously weighed. If you’re pregnant and contemplating psychiatrist-prescribed remedy, or in case you’re taking Lexapro and interested by getting — or simply came upon you’re — pregnant, discuss to your psychiatrist or physician about your choices.
Talkspace helps present on-line remedy and psychiatry so you’ve entry to licensed therapists and psychiatrists from wherever. Text messaging, cellphone calls, or video chat know-how makes getting assist easy and handy. Finding a psychological well being care skilled who focuses on treating despair throughout being pregnant permits expectant moms better flexibility when in search of skilled assist with out leaving residence.
For extra particulars round potential unwanted side effects and interactions, find out about weight achieve on Lexapro and the dangers of taking Lexapro and alcohol.
Sources:
- Marchocki Z, Russell NE, Donoghue KO. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and being pregnant: A overview of maternal, fetal and neonatal dangers and advantages. Obstetric Medicine. 2013;6(4):155-158. doi:10.1177/1753495×13495194. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5004326/. Accessed December 16, 2022.
- Klieger-Grossmann C, Weitzner B, Panchaud A, et al. Pregnancy outcomes following use of Escitalopram: A potential comparative cohort examine. The Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. 2012;52(5):766-770. doi:10.1177/0091270011405524. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22075232/. Accessed December 16, 2022.
- Klieger-Grossmann C, Weitzner B, Panchaud A, et al. Pregnancy outcomes following use of Escitalopram: A potential comparative cohort examine. The Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. 2012;52(5):766-770. doi:10.1177/0091270011405524. https://accp1.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0091270011405524. Accessed December 16, 2022.
- Escitalopram (Lexapro). NAMI. https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Treatments/Mental-Health-Medications/Types-of-Medication/Escitalopram-(Lexapro). Accessed December 16, 2022.
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