celexa and pregnancy

F

FuFu

New member
My sister in law is currently on celexa for general anxiety disorder, she has recently learned she is pregnant. I am terribly worried about what effects this
medication can cause to the fetus. I have done research on it, but was wondering if anyone has been in a similar situation. I am aware that she cannot get off the medication as the stress on her can be stressful to the fetus. If anyone has any information it would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
praying for a healthy niece or nephew.
 
I'm no pharmacologist, but I don't think it's good for the fetus. At least during the first trimester when the baby is most vulnerable to foreign substances (i.e., drugs, alcohol, etc.). Has your sister-in-law talked with a psychiatrist about this? Perhaps she could replace her meRAB with psychotherapy with a psychologist?
 
Thank you for replying.
She has spoken to her psycologist and psychiatrist and apparently they both say it is fine. The only thing they both said is that she will definately have to get off the meRAB in the last trimester and then resume treatment after the birth. I, am not convinced that it will be fine. I am a positive person but at the same time not oblivious to certain harmful effects from drugs on the fetus. She will be seeing the obstetrician soon and i am hoping she will get some answers. I have done research and my findings are that there are harmful effects on the fetus, so i do have to question what her doctors are telling her.
Thank you for taking the time.
 
I did a google search and got mixed results. There are a bunch of lawyer websites who say it's bad but they are all about suing people to make money.

I also saw online on a few sites that said it's recommended to discontinue during the third trimester. I'm surprised by this, I thought for sure the first trimester was the most important since everything is newly forming... good to know though.
 
You are right about mixed messages. Some do say the first trimester and some do say the third trimester. The fact is that this particular medication when used on the pregnant rat causes severeal types of side effects, though when tested on the rabbit no side effects. There is not enough research on humans, though there is apparently a
small risk that can cause major health complications to the fetus. When they say small risk i don't take it lightly, i lost my mommy and my aunt two years ago to bleomycin lung toxicity the risk was one percent, so it's pretty hard to brush off that small percentage.
Thanks for looking into it for me, i appreciate any input.
 
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