Explaining the Relation Between Lexapro and Pregnancy

You might have heard about the drug Lexapro before, but you may not have information about Lexapro and pregnancy.

What is Lexapro?

It is a Class C drug, which means that it hasn’t been tested on pregnant women. There is no information regarding the effect it could have on pregnant women, on the fetus or on the baby once it is born. The tests that have been carried out involved animals and the effects on the fetus, but the effect could not be the same in case of humans as well.

Lexapro and PregnancyIn case you have been taking the drug until now, and you would like to know about the connection between being pregnant and Lexapro because you got pregnant or you are planning to, then you should talk to your doctor to be sure that it is still suitable for you or you will have to switch to another drug.

Your dosage could also have an effect on the baby meaning that in case you are having higher doses, the chances for the baby to suffer the side effects is higher in case of being pregnant and on Lexapro.

Side effects of Lexapro and pregnancy

There have been studies conducted regarding Lexapro and placebo, and according to these studies, the most common side effects included nausea, ejaculation disorder, insomnia, somnolence, fatigue, increased sweating, anorgasmia and decreased libido.

You should keep an eye out for putting together pregnancy and Lexapro use because it is contraindicated taking it in case you are taking monoamide oxidase inhibitors, pimozide or tricyclic antidepressants.

How about sleeping problems, Lexapro and pregnancy?

According to the clinical trials, a certain percentage of people experienced insomnia, drowsiness, and anxiety. Nonetheless we have to add that the percentage is quite small and the mild side effects disappear in case of continued treatment.

Gastrointestinal side effects

It is also possible to have such side effects in case of pregnancy and Lexapro use. This is caused by the fact that the stomach has more serotonin receptors than any other organ of the body. Still the number of people who had such problems is relatively small. Only 10% of the people showed signs of the side effect that disappeared after a little while.

The drug and the baby

The biggest concerns regarding Lexapro and pregnancy are in the third trimester when the baby is developing at a fast pace and in this period he is more vulnerable to the outside effects. The problems of the babies whose mothers have been taking the drug after the 20th week of pregnancy included breathing problems, lower levels of oxygen in the blood, seizures, feeding problems, irritability, tremors, constant crying, jitteriness and pulmonary hypertension.

Those women who are pregnant and take Lexapro have six times more chances of PPHN than the women who aren’t taking the drugs. In case you have been taking this drug, you should seriously consider stopping especially after the 20th week, and switching to another kind of medication. All in all Lexapro and pregnancy in the same time isn’t a good idea.

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