Revealed on: 03 Apr 2023
Being pregnant is a time of pleasure and anticipation. Sadly, it can be a time stuffed with fear — particularly if you happen to’re coping with psychological well being situations like despair or nervousness. It’s legitimate to have issues in regards to the security of taking antidepressants like Lexapro, or every other sort of medicine, throughout your being pregnant.
To your peace of thoughts and your child’s security, it’s actually essential to discover the dangers related to Lexapro and being pregnant. Then you may make an knowledgeable resolution that’s best for you and your child. Study extra about Lexapro throughout being pregnant right here — we’re discussing all the pieces you want to know.
Is Lexapro Protected Throughout Being pregnant?
Can you are taking Lexapro whereas pregnant? The U.S. Meals and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies the antidepressant medicine Lexapro as a “Being pregnant Class C” drug. Primarily, this implies threat can’t absolutely be dominated out, and extra analysis must be accomplished. Thus, the FDA recommends consulting your physician earlier than deciding if you happen to ought to take Lexapro throughout being pregnant.
“Some research present that Lexapro could cause issues with being pregnant, particularly into the third trimester resulting in respiratory issues with the new child. Sadly, the start of being pregnant can typically set off despair, so this can be a query that’s higher left to your physician.”
Can Lexapro trigger delivery defects?
When discussing Lexapro and being pregnant, we must 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 increased threat of growing sure congenital disabilities. Nonetheless, it’s essential to notice that this elevated threat was minimal. Most infants had been born wholesome and with out issues associated to a mom’s use of SSRIs throughout being pregnant.
It’s broadly accepted that present analysis doesn’t essentially counsel withholding antidepressant medicine use, however the resolution have to be individualized and made by speaking along with your physician.
What Occurs If You Take Lexapro Whereas Pregnant
A number of research appear to counsel that Lexapro seemingly received’t enhance the danger of great issues, however your physician won’t suggest it. The most typical Lexapro negative effects skilled by a pregnant lady embrace the next.
Low delivery weight and preterm labor/delivery
Some research present that Lexapro could enhance the danger of low delivery weight. It additionally would possibly contribute to the likelihood of preterm delivery.
Withdrawal
One in every of Lexapro’s negative 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. Frequent 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?
For those who’re already taking Lexapro, it’s regular to fret and marvel — can you are taking Lexapro whereas pregnant? The underside line: it’s crucial to speak to your physician about this or every other medicine use.
You’ll need to contemplate how stopping your antidepressant would possibly have an effect on your psychological well being and well-being, after all. Sadly, for some folks, discontinuing antidepressants can result in a relapse in despair signs and even suicidal ideas. If this occurs, it may possibly put each mom and child in danger.
Your physician will enable you to weigh the potential dangers vs. advantages of stopping Lexapro throughout being pregnant. They’ll contemplate elements comparable to your medical historical past and present psychological well being standing earlier than making a suggestion.
“It’s essential to debate beginning or stopping any medicine along with your physician, particularly in case you are pregnant. Drugs like Lexapro are glorious for treating despair, nonetheless solely your physician will help you make the choice on whether or not or not the dangers outweigh the advantages.”
Speak to a Psychiatrist About Protected Drugs
In terms of psychological well being, medicine is usually a highly effective software in managing signs. Nonetheless, within the case of Lexapro and being pregnant, the dangers have to be rigorously weighed. For those who’re pregnant and contemplating psychiatrist-prescribed medicine, or if you happen to’re taking Lexapro and fascinated about getting — or simply came upon you might be — pregnant, discuss to your psychiatrist or physician about your choices.
Talkspace helps present on-line remedy and psychiatry so you could have entry to licensed therapists and psychiatrists from wherever. Textual content messaging, telephone calls, or video chat know-how makes getting assist easy and handy. Discovering 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 negative 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 Medication. 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. Being pregnant outcomes following use of Escitalopram: A potential comparative cohort examine. The Journal of Medical 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. Being pregnant outcomes following use of Escitalopram: A potential comparative cohort examine. The Journal of Medical 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-Psychological-Sickness/Therapies/Psychological-Well being-Drugs/Sorts-of-Treatment/Escitalopram-(Lexapro). Accessed December 16, 2022.
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