Celexa When Pregnant: Safety, Uses, Dosage & Side Effects

During pregnancy, women go through different emotional changes and may fall into depression. In some cases, women may consider antidepressants, for example, citalopram (Celexa) in pregnancy. However, these medicines should only be consumed as per the doctor’s guidance to avoid side effects.

Citalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It treats depression by enhancing the central nervous system’s serotonin levels since low levels may cause depression. Scroll through to learn more about Celexa, including its effect on pregnancy and more.

Is It Safe To Take Citalopram During Pregnancy?

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified citalopram as a pregnancy category C drug because animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus development when citalopram was given in doses greater than human therapeutic doses.

The FDA also states that neonates exposed to Celexa late in the third trimester, have developed complications such as respiratory distress, cyanosis, apnea, seizures, temperature instability, feeding difficulty, vomiting, hypoglycemia, hypotonia, hyperreflexia, tremor, jitteriness, irritability and constant crying (1). Hence, it advises taking citalopram only when the potential benefits outweigh the risks. There are other options of antidepressants that are safer to use during pregnancy.

Also, citalopram should not be taken if you have heart rhythm problems or under medication for heart-related disorders, as citalopram can cause dose-dependent QT interval prolongation. Tell your doctor if you are on such medications (2).

Does Citalopram Cause Birth Defects?

A study by the University of Toronto found that the maternal use of citalopram during the early stages of pregnancy was not associated with any major fetal defects. However, using citalopram during the later stage of pregnancy was associated with an increased risk of poor neonatal adaptation syndrome (3).

However, various cohort studies on more than nine million births found that maternal use of citalopram during the first trimester could slightly increase the risk of neural tube defects and hypospadias (deformation of the urethra) in the newborn. Although these findings were not consistent, they cannot be ruled out.

Another cohort study concluded that septal heart defects are more common in infants whose mothers took citalopram in early pregnancy (4).

So, according to these studies, there is a risk of birth defects with the maternal use of citalopram (5).

Can Taking Citalopram In Pregnancy Cause Preterm Birth Or Low Birth Weight? 

A study on the effect of SSRI antidepressants found that fetal exposure to maternal SSRI dose or maternal depression without the use of SSRI both increased the risk of preterm birth. There was no change in mean infant weight; whether the woman was on SSRI dose or had depression with no treatment with SSRIs.

The findings of the study were ultimately inconsistent. So, your doctor will assess the severity of depression and determine the risks involved (6).

What If You Have Already Taken Citalopram During Pregnancy? 

If you were already taking citalopram when you got pregnant, then consult your doctor. Discontinuing antidepressants may lead to discontinuation syndrome that might cause a relapse of depression and lead to the following problems (7):

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Light-headedness
• Dizziness
• Diminished appetite
• Sweating
• Chills
• Fatigue
• Sleep disturbances

Talk to your doctor, who can gradually reduce the dosage over months. 

What Are The Possible Side Effects Of Citalopram? 

Along with the possible fetal defects, citalopram has the following side effects.

• Drowsiness
• Insomnia
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Dry mouth

Infographic: The Risks Of Relapsed Depression During Pregnancy

Relapsed depression during pregnancy may be more harmful to both the mother and baby than the adverse effects of antidepressants. If you have been using Celexa before pregnancy, do not hesitate to discuss with your doctor the safe treatment options when planning to conceive. Have a look at this infographic that helps you understand the drawbacks of suddenly stopping antidepressants.

This post is for informational purposes only and is not a replacement for a doctor’s consultation. Do not use any medication without talking to your doctor.

References

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