| nospam@nospam.org 2005-04-27, 5:54 pm |
| Acta Paediatr. 2001 Mar;90(3):288-91. Related Articles, Links
Neonatal withdrawal syndrome after in utero exposure to selective serotonin
reuptake inhibitors.
Nordeng H, Lindemann R, Perminov KV, Reikvam A.
Department of Pharmacotherapeutics, university of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
h.m.e.nordeng@farmasi.uio.no
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a new group of
antidepressants used in mild to moderate cases of depression. In studies
evaluating the safety of SSRIs during pregnancy, no increase in major anomalies
has been reported. This might have led to increasing off-label prescription of
SSRIs to pregnant women. Neonatal withdrawal syndrome commonly occurs in infants
exposed during the third trimester to drugs known to cause addiction. We report
five cases of neonatal withdrawal syndrome after third trimester in utero SSRI
exposure. In three cases the mother used paroxetine in doses from 10 to 40 mg,
one mother used citalopram 30 mg, and one mother fluoxetine 20 mg. Withdrawal
symptoms occurred within few days after birth and lasted up to one month after
birth. Four of the infants needed treatment with chlorpromazine. Symptoms were
irritability, constant crying, shivering, increased tonus, eating and sleeping
difficulties and convulsions. CONCLUSION: Neonatal withdrawal syndrome can occur
after third trimester in utero SSRI exposure. Further research should focus on
whether it is safe to use SSRIs during the last trimester. All neonates exposed
to SSRIs during the last trimester should be followed-up closely for withdrawal
symptoms after birth.
Publication Types:
Case Reports
PMID: 11332169 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
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