Depression is among the most typical mental health conditions experienced by individuals worldwide. Unfortunately, the start of pregnancy can trigger depression. As such, it prevails to question if it is safe to use lexapro during pregnancy.
Using lexapro (escitalopram) during pregnancy may be the right alternative if the benefits surpass the threats to your establishing baby. It is very important to talk about lexapro use during your pregnancy with your doctor. Your doctor might recommend an alternative that might be better for both you and your baby.
Lexapro During Pregnancy
Brand: Lexapro
Maker: Forest Pharmaceuticals
Healing Effect: Lexapro is indicated for the intense treatment of generalized anxiety condition in adults. Lexapro is likewise suggested for both severe and upkeep treatment of significant depressive disorder in adults along with teenagers ages 12 to 17.
Pregnancy Safety Rating: Category C.
Pregnancy Recommendation: Human data recommend there might be risk in the 3rd trimester.
Lexapro Side Effects
- Frequent: (21% -11%) Dry mouth, queasiness, insomnia, sleepiness, diaphoresis.
- Periodic: (8% -4%) Diarrhea, abnormal ejaculation, tremor, anorexia, dyspepsia, anxiety, tiredness, vomiting.
- Uncommon (3% -2%): Sinusitis, menstrual disorder, agitation, sexual dysfunction, reduced libido, abdominal pain.
Pregnancy/Lactation Considerations: Lexapro is distributed in breast milk.
Pregnancy Summaries
The sources of Briggs, Freeman, & Yaffe and the Reprotox Toxicology Center.
Briggs, Freeman, & Yaffe– Human pregnancy experience with lexapro is really minimal. The animal information recommend that the risk to an embryo-fetus is low. Two large case-control research studies did discover increased risk for some abnormality, but the outright risk appears to be small.
Nevertheless, the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants have been related to a number of developmental toxicities, consisting of spontaneous abortions, low birth weight, prematurity, neonatal serotonin syndrome, neonatal behavioral syndrome (withdrawal), potentially sustained unusual neurobehavioral beyond the neonatal period, breathing distress, and persistent lung hypertension of the newborn (PPHN).
Physicians’ Desk Reference– There are not appropriate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women; for that reason, lexapro must be used during pregnancy just if the prospective advantage justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Neonates exposed to Lexapro and other SSRIs or SNRIs, late in the third trimester, have established complications needing prolonged hospitalization, breathing support, and tube feeding. Such complications can occur right away upon delivery.
Infants exposed to SSRIs in late pregnancy may have an increased risk for persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN). When treating a pregnant woman with Lexapro during the third trimester, the physician should carefully think about both the possible dangers and benefits of treatment. For additional info, please refer to the Physicians’ Desk Reference or contact your Healthcare Provider.
Reprotox Toxicology Center– Based on experimental animal studies and human reports, basic healing use of citalopram or escitalopram is not expected to increase the risk of hereditary abnormalities. Use of serotonin reuptake inhibitors late in pregnancy can be connected with a mild short-term neonatal syndrome of main nervous system, motor, breathing, and gastrointestinal signs.
Health Tips
If you are pregnant and have concerns associated to medication use during pregnancy, Reprotox Toxicology Center is the most thorough resource on medication use during pregnancy.
The American Pregnancy Association does not recommend medication nor do we act as a consult for medication use during pregnancy. It is important that you discuss using any medication during pregnancy with your healthcare supplier.
The purpose of this document is to provide you with info to support conversations with your healthcare company.
