Is escitalopram Lexapro safe for pregnancy?
Is escitalopram Lexapro safe for pregnancy?
There are no large studies looking at the chance of birth defects when escitalopram is used during pregnancy. Since it is very similar to citalopram, escitalopram is also unlikely to increase the chance of birth defects over the background risk.
Which SSRI is best for pregnancy?
SSRIs are generally considered an option during pregnancy, including citalopram (Celexa) and sertraline (Zoloft). Potential complications include maternal weight changes and premature birth. Most studies show that SSRIs aren’t associated with birth defects.
What is the pregnancy category for Lexapro?
Safety of Psychiatric Medications During Pregnancy and Lactation
| Drug | FDA pregnancy category* |
|---|---|
| Escitalopram (Lexapro) | C |
| Fluoxetine (Prozac) | C |
| Fluvoxamine (Luvox)‡ | C |
| Paroxetine (Paxil) | D |
What happens if you get pregnant on Lexapro?
Pregnancy Summaries: Briggs, Freeman, & Yaffe – Human pregnancy experience with escitalopram is very limited. The animal data suggest that the risk to an embryo-fetus is low. Two large case-control studies did find an increased risk for some birth defects, but the absolute risk appears to be small.
What can you take for anxiety when your pregnant?
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly prescribed for depression and anxiety during pregnancy and after delivery.
Does Lexapro affect ovulation?
The results of certain experimental studies indicate that paroxetine and escitalopram may have a negative effect on the fertility of female patients.
Can Lexapro cause false positive pregnancy test?
To our knowledge, no published case report of amenorrhea and false-positive urine pregnancy tests in women taking escitalopram exists. This case report suggests that women of child-bearing age should be carefully monitored for amenorrhea while they are on an antidepressant treatment regimen.
Can I take anxiety meds while pregnant?
While benzodiazepines are category D, long-term anxiety medications like Prozac and Zoloft are often described as “probably safe.” Tricyclic antidepressants and buspirone may be safe during pregnancy as well.
Is it safe to use escitalopram (Lexapro) during pregnancy?
As such, it is common to question if it is safe to use escitalopram aka Lexapro during pregnancy. Using escitalopram during pregnancy may be the right option if the benefits outweigh the risks to your developing baby. It is important to discuss using escitalopram during your pregnancy with your healthcare provider.
What is the difference between Lexapro and escitalopram?
These two drugs act in the body in a very similar way. Escitalopram is used to treat depression and generalized anxiety disorder. It is also an SSRI and is sold under the brand name Lexapro®. Sometimes when people find out they are pregnant, they think about changing how they take their medication, or stopping their medication altogether.
Does Lexapro cause birth defects?
Lexapro looks pretty good, too, as the study didn’t find any links between the use of escitalopram and any of those birth defects, either. The news isn’t so good for two other popular SSRIs, though.
Does escitalopram affect pulmonary hypertension in pregnancy?
Epidemiological data have suggested that the use of SSRIs, particularly in late pregnancy, may increase the risk of persistent pulmonary hypertension in the newborn. Data from animal studies has shown that escitalopram may affect sperm quality.
