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Celexa Linked to Birth Defect PPHN
Recent studies have found that babies exposed to Celexa during certain periods prior to birth run a risk of experiencing Celexa side effects. Those Celexa-related birth defects include a risk of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN), a serious condition that can be fatal. A potential link between Celexa and birth defects has been reported in published studies including one published in The New England Journal of Medicine.
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Celexa
Celexa is the brand name for citalopram and is in a class of drugs known as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs work by raising or restoring serotonin levels and relieving depression. Celexa is used to treat patients, including pregnant women, with major depressive disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
 Studies indicate that Celexa can increase the risk of birth defects when taken by pregnant women; the doses used in these studies were higher than normal therapy doses. Celexa is excreted in breast milk, and it may cause excessive sleepiness and/or weight loss in a nursing infant so it is not recommended that women breastfeed while taking Celexa.
Celexa Side Effects
In February, 2006, the New England Journal of Medicine reported that babies exposed to antidepressants such as Celexa in the last trimester were six 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 SSRIs during pregnancy, versus one to two 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 percent of babies born with PPHN do not survive, and those that do may have long-term breathing problems.
Celexa Studies
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.
Celexa PPHN Legal Help
If your child was born with persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPH) or PPHN, and you took Celexa while pregnant, you may be eligible for compensation. Please click the link below to send your claim to a Celexa lawyer who will review your case at no cost to you.
Posted on Oct-24-06
Updated on Dec-8-09 |
CELEXA ARTICLES AND INTERVIEWS
Research links antidepressants like Celexa to premature births
 Seattle, WA: Despite the physical and mental strain that is commonly shouldered by pregnant women, expectant mothers-to-be might want to stay clear of antidepressants medications, as a recent study sees drugs used to treat depression like Celexa linked to birth defects. [ Read More ]
Celexa Allegedly Caused 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 ]
Unborn Baby has Birth Defects from SSRI
 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 ]
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