Celexa Linked to Birth Defect PPHN

Portland, OR: Little Gavin Shore has endured a lot. Since he was born almost a year ago with persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN) and Shone's complex, Gavin has spent much of his short life in hospital. He also endures monthly doctor's visits and will require at least one more surgery. His mother Lacee Shore, blames Celexa, an anti-depressant drug she took while pregnant. [ Read More ]

Toronto, ON: Diane Johnson started taking Celexa, an SSRI, in January, 2005. She is now 27 weeks pregnant and an ultrasound shows that her baby has a clubfoot. Nobody told her about the risks associated with SSRIs - in fact she told her doctor about them! [ Read More ]

Los Angeles, CA: The antidepressant Celexa is still being prescribed to pregnant women, even though it has been linked to an increased risk serious birth defects including Primary Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN). [ Read More ]

Celexa is a brand name for Citalopram, a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI). SSRIs work by raising or restoring serotonin levels and relieving depression. Celexa is used to treat patients with major depressive disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder, though it is not FDA approved for this diagnosis.

In February of 2006, the New England Journal of Medicine reported that babies exposed to antidepressants like Celexa in the last trimester were 6 times more likely to be born with PPHN than babies who were not exposed.

According to the report, up to 12 newborns in 1,000 developed persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPH) after exposure to SSRI's during pregnancy, versus 1 to 2 newborns on average.

Babies born with PPHN have abnormal blood flow through their heart and lungs, and their bodies are deprived of oxygen. This may cause organ failure in the brain and kidneys. About 20% of babies born with PPHN do not survive, and those that do may have long-term breathing problems.

Animal studies using large doses of Celexa are reported to show adverse effects on embryo, fetal and postnatal development. There are no similar studies of pregnant woman, therefore, the note concludes, the drug "should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus."

There is also a warning that neonates exposed to Celexa late in the third trimester have developed complications requiring prolonged hospital care, respiratory support and tube feedings.