What are the side effects of Celexa in newborns?

Understanding the Side Effects of Celexa in Newborns
Celexa, known generically as citalopram, is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) primarily prescribed to treat depression in adults. However, its implications during pregnancy and breastfeeding raise significant concerns, particularly regarding the health of newborns.
Potential Risks During Pregnancy
While Celexa is not officially approved for use in children, its safety during pregnancy remains ambiguous. Animal studies have indicated that high doses of citalopram can lead to fetal harm, suggesting a potential risk when the drug is administered to pregnant women. This uncertainty is compounded by reports that Celexa may increase the risk of pulmonary hypertension in newborns, a serious condition that affects the blood vessels in the lungs and can lead to significant health complications.
Effects on Breastfeeding Infants
For mothers who are breastfeeding, Celexa is known to be excreted into breast milk. This transfer can result in various side effects in infants, including drowsiness, decreased feeding, and weight loss. These symptoms can be particularly concerning as they may affect the overall health and development of the newborn.
Monitoring and Management
Given these potential side effects, healthcare providers often recommend close monitoring of infants born to mothers who have taken Celexa during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Parents should be vigilant for any signs of distress or unusual behavior in their newborns, such as lethargy or feeding difficulties, and report these to their pediatrician promptly.
In summary, while Celexa can be an effective treatment for depression in adults, its use during pregnancy and breastfeeding carries risks that can adversely affect newborns. The potential for serious conditions like pulmonary hypertension and the risk of side effects from breast milk necessitate careful consideration and consultation with healthcare professionals for any expectant or new mothers.

What happens to breastfed babies on antidepressants?

There have been a small number of case reports of adverse events in infants exposed to antidepressants in breast milk, including jitteriness, irritability, excessive crying, sleep disturbance, and feeding problems.

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.

What are the symptoms of SSRI in newborns?

Most neonates presented in the first 3 days of life. The most common symptoms were restlessness, feeding problems, irritability, and hypothermia. We suggest a three day clinical observation period for neonates born to mothers who used SSRI during the last trimester of pregnancy.

Will my baby have withdrawals from Celexa?

Infants born to mothers taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) late in pregnancy have been reported to exhibit signs of antidepressant withdrawal. Such evidence suggests that these drugs access the fetal brain in utero at biologically significant levels.

What is the hardest antidepressant to come off of?

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are the most likely antidepressants to cause withdrawal symptoms. Listed according to their risk of causing withdrawal, they include: With a high risk of withdrawal: Desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq)

What are the side effects of Celexa while breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding while taking citalopram or escitalopram:
A nursing infant should be monitored for being very sleepy (hard to wake for feeds), poor feeding and poor weight gain, especially in younger, exclusively breastfed infants and when a combination of medications for mental health are used.

What are the side effects of citalopram in newborns?

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

Can babies withdrawal from Celexa?

Interestingly, children exposed to SSRIs in utero exhibit signs of antidepressant withdrawal, i.e. insomnia, diarrhea, sweating, vomiting, and tremors, in the first few weeks of life, and some display behavioral abnormalities during their first few years (Casper et al., 2003; Sanz et al., 2005; Zeskind and Stephens, …

What is the biggest side effect of Celexa?

* For details, see “Suicidal thoughts and behaviors” in the “Side effect details” section below. * Celexa has a boxed warning for the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

What are the side effects of the first month of Celexa?

Common side effects

• Dry mouth. Chew sugar-free gum or suck sugar-free sweets.
• Sweating a lot. Try wearing loose clothing, use a strong anti-perspirant and keep cool using a fan if possible.
• Being unable to sleep.
• Feeling sleepy, tired or weak.
• Feeling tired or weak.
• Headaches.
• Feeling sick (nausea)