I am 20 years old, and have a 20 month old at this time. I have been taking celexa for 3 months to treat my depression and stress. I am very worried about the negative effects it may have on my unborn child, and would like to know if you have any advice as to what I should do. I stopped taking the medicine 3 days before finding out I was pregnant.
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Q: I am taking celexa, and just found out I'm pregnant. Can this have negative effects on my baby?
Answers (3)
8/11/08 11:16am
You need to talk to your doctor right away. Your mental health should be monitored during your pregnancy. Your doctor will help you make the decision, if necessary, to go back on the medication. Some medications are more likely to cross the baby's blood brain barrier than others.
I was lucky during my pregnancy. I went off my Wellbutrin when I found out I was pregnant (this was my doctor's advice). I was supposed to tell him if I started getting depressed, but luckily I never did. I had no depression.
As I said, I was lucky. This is not everyone's experience. You need to stay in touch with your doctor. Make sure your OB/GYN also knows your mental health history.
8/11/08 12:42pm
Hi Ashley,
Thank you for your question! There have been studies in animals that showed that a HUGE amount of the medication was required to cause any problems (about 18 times the normal dose). In some studies where 4-5 times the maximum dose was used, no abnormalities were noted. There is a small study published that included nine women who had taken Celexa during the first trimester, and none of them experienced abnormalities. Other reports have been published of women using Celexa early in pregnancy with no more birth defects than what would be expected to occur naturally. However, I would recommend contacting your doctor to find out what he or she recommends.
Best of luck to you and the baby!
Casey
8/11/08 11:51pm
Ashley,
In the prescribing info for Celexa, it seems that the biggest risk if taking it during the third trimester, and you've already discontinued it. Do talk to your doctor about this if you haven't. He should be aware of it. OK?
Goodd luck!
Teri
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