Celexa and Pregnancy
From Pharmacy Drug Guide
Celexa, the brand name for the generic citalopram, is most often used to treat depression. Effective in treating patients suffering from major depressive disorder (MDD), Celexa is sometimes used to treat alcoholism, eating disorders, panic disorders, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and social phobia. Celexa belongs to a group of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs work by increasing the amount of serotonin in the brain.[1]
Celexa is not recommended for use during pregnancy as it may cause problems in newborns following delivery if it is taken during the last months of pregnancy.[1]Celexa is also not indicated for use in nursing mothers.[2]
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| Brand name for | Citalopram |
|---|---|
| Used for | Treating depression and anxiety disorders[1] |
| Pregnancy Risk Factor | C[2] |
| Label instructions | Celexa should be administered once daily, in the morning or evening, with or without food. [2] |
| Warnings | The use of Celexa may cause harm to a developing fetus. However, as with all antidepressants, the benefit to the mother may outweigh the potential risk to the fetus. [2] |
| Disclaimer | The information provided by PharmacyDrugGuide.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not take any action based on the information on this page without consulting a physician. |
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Celexa and Pregnancy Category C
Celexa has been categorized by the United States Food and Drug Administration as a Pregnancy Category C medication. This means that animal studies have demonstrated adverse effects on developing embryos/fetuses, however, there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Animals given high doses of Celexa during pregnancy produced offspring with congenital malformations, and in some instances, the pregnancy was halted.[2]
Research suggests that taking Celexa during the third trimester could result in complications upon delivery. These complications have included constant crying and irritability, feeding difficulties and vomiting, respiratory distress, cyanosis, apnea, temperature instability, seizures, hyperreflexia, tremors, jitters, and hypoglycemia. These conditions may be caused by toxic effects of Celexa or by discontinuation syndrome. Babies born with these conditions often require prolonged hospitalization, respiratory support, and tube feeding. Another rare but serious condition that could be linked to the use of SSRIs, such as Celexa, late in pregnancy is persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN).[2]
Celexa and Breastfeeding
Celexa is known to be excreted in human breast milk. [3] While there has not been a controlled study of the effects of Celexa on nursing babies, there have been reports of babies exposed to Celexa while nursing who exhibited symptoms of decreased feeding, weight loss, and excessive somnolence. These symptoms disappeared once the mother discontinued taking Celexa. [3]
About Drug Side Effects
Also See: Drug Side Effects, Celexa Side Effects, Celexa Coupons, Celexa and Autism, Citalopram Side Effects, Cymbalta, Effexor and Pregnancy, Lexapro, Lexapro and Pregnancy, Paxil and Pregnancy, Prozac and Pregnancy, Wellbutrin and Pregnancy, Zoloft and Pregnancy
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