Celexa antidepressant birth defects

When treating a pregnant woman with Celexa during the third trimester, the doctor should carefully consider the potential risks and benefits of treatment.

Celexa antidepressant is in Pregnancy Category C which means in animal reproduction studies, Celexa has been shown to have adverse effects on fetal and post-birth development.

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Neonates exposed to Celexa and other SSRIs late in the third trimester, have developed complications requiring prolonged hospitalization, respiratory support, and tube feeding. Such complications can arise immediately upon delivery.

Reported clinical findings have included respiratory distress, cyanosis (turning blue), apnea, seizures, temperature instability, feeding difficulty, vomiting, hypoglycemia, hypotonia (low muscle tone), hypertonia (hyper muscle tone), hyperreflexia (twitching), tremor, jitteriness, irritability, and constant crying. These features are consistent with a direct toxic effect of SSRIs and possibly a drug discontinuation syndrome.

As of August 2011, the FDA prepared an alert for anyone including mothers who are taking Celexa. Higher doses of Celexa (40 mg) can lead to an abnormal heart rhythm which can be fatal. Patients at particular risk for developing this condition include those with underlying heart conditions and those who are predisposed to low levels of potassium and magnesium in the blood.

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What kind of birth defect does your baby have? Were you taking Celexa or another antidepressant while pregnant? Do you need an unsafe SSRI antidepressant lawyer in your corner?