Does fluoxetine affect newborns?

Understanding the Impact of Fluoxetine on Newborns
Fluoxetine, commonly known by its brand name Prozac, is a widely prescribed antidepressant that belongs to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class. While it is effective in treating various mental health conditions, its use during pregnancy and breastfeeding raises important questions regarding its effects on newborns.
Effects During Pregnancy
Research indicates that fluoxetine can have implications for newborns when taken during the later stages of pregnancy. Specifically, there is evidence suggesting that exposure to fluoxetine in the third trimester may lead to complications in newborns after delivery. These complications can include symptoms associated with neonatal withdrawal syndrome, which may manifest as irritability, feeding difficulties, and respiratory distress. Additionally, some studies have linked fluoxetine use during pregnancy to an increased risk of congenital heart defects in newborns, highlighting the potential risks associated with its use in expectant mothers.
Breastfeeding Considerations
When it comes to breastfeeding, fluoxetine is generally considered safe, but caution is advised. The medication does pass into breast milk, albeit in relatively low amounts. For instance, studies have shown that a fully breastfed infant could receive a daily dose of approximately 25 mcg/kg of fluoxetine and its active metabolite, norfluoxetine. While this level is typically deemed safe, healthcare providers often recommend monitoring the infant for any adverse effects, especially if the mother has been taking fluoxetine throughout her pregnancy.
Recommendations for Expecting and New Mothers
Healthcare professionals emphasize the importance of discussing any medication use during pregnancy and breastfeeding with a doctor. If a mother is already on fluoxetine, it may be advisable to continue the treatment if it has been effective and if the benefits outweigh the potential risks. However, alternatives with lower excretion into breast milk might be considered, particularly for mothers nursing newborns or preterm infants.
In summary, while fluoxetine can be an effective treatment for depression and anxiety, its use during pregnancy and breastfeeding requires careful consideration and consultation with healthcare providers to mitigate risks to newborns. The potential for withdrawal symptoms and congenital issues underscores the need for a tailored approach to treatment in pregnant and postpartum women.

Can antidepressants harm my unborn baby?

There are some risks to taking antidepressants during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. These include the following: Possible birth defects. There is evidence that taking SSRIs early in pregnancy slightly increases the risk of your baby developing heart defects, spina bifida or cleft lip.

Can fluoxetine affect the fetus?

Are there any risks of taking fluoxetine during pregnancy? SSRIs are commonly taken during pregnancy without any problem. However, some studies have linked SSRIs to a higher chance of preterm delivery, or of having a baby with a low birth weight.

What is the youngest age to take fluoxetine?

Which antidepressants can children take?

Medication*	Age (in years)
Clomipramine (Anafranil)	10 and older
Duloxetine (Cymbalta, Drizalma Sprinkle)	7 and older
Escitalopram (Lexapro)	12 and older
Fluoxetine (Prozac)	8 and older

What are the side effects of Prozac on breastfed baby?

Summary of Use during Lactation
Decreased infant weight gain was found in one study, but not in others. No adverse effects on development have been found in a few infants followed for up to a year. If fluoxetine is required by the mother, it is not a reason to discontinue breastfeeding.

Do newborns withdraw from Prozac?

According to observational studies and meta-analyses of observational studies, approximately one third of the neonates of mothers treated with SSRIs/venlafaxine during pregnancy develop a withdrawal syndrome (Shea et al., 2021; Wang & Cosci, 2021).

What effects do antidepressants have on newborns?

Preterm birth, major cardiac malformations, and neonatal respiratory distress have been associated with prenatal antidepressant use,7–13 although other large studies have failed to confirm these findings.

Can taking fluoxetine during pregnancy cause autism?

The connection between antidepressant use during pregnancy and the risk of autism spectrum disorder in babies is not clear. But most studies have shown that the risk is very small.

What happens in the first week of taking fluoxetine?

Fluoxetine may make you feel very restless in the first few weeks so you may find it difficult to sit or stand still when you first start this medicine. It might be best to stop sports for the first few days until you know how it affects you or the effects get better.

Is there an infant risk with fluoxetine?

Infant blood levels of fluoxetine may reach more than half of maternal blood levels. It may take an infant a long time to metabolize (break down) these high levels of drug after discontinuing the drug or breastfeeding. Therefore, fluoxetine may lead to longer-lasting infant side effects.

What are the side effects of fluoxetine in newborns?

Fluoxetine and pregnancy
However, if there is any risk, it is small, and most babies born to women taking fluoxetine have a normal heart. When fluoxetine is taken in the weeks before delivery it can sometimes cause short-term withdrawal symptoms and, very rarely, breathing problems in the baby.