AOTTAWA — Women who take some anti-depressant drugs during late pregnancy
may be putting their babies at risk, Health Canada is warning.
The department issued an advisory today about the following drugs: bupropion
(used for depression or for smoking cessation), citalopram, fluoxetine,
fluvoxamine, mirtazapine, paroxetine, sertraline and venlafaxine. The brand
names
involved are Zyban, Wellbutrin, Celexa, Prozac, Luvox, Remeron, Paxil,
Zoloft and Effexor
International and Canadian reports reveal that some newborns whose mothers
took medications containing Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors or
other newer anti-depressants during late pregnancy developed complications
at birth requiring prolonged hospitalization, breathing support and tube
feeding.
Reported symptoms include feeding and/or breathing difficulties, seizures,
muscle rigidity, jitters and constant crying. In most cases, the
anti-depressant was taken during the last three months of pregnancy.
The symptoms could indicate a direct adverse effect on the baby, or possibly
a discontinuation syndrome caused by sudden withdrawal from the drug.
Health Canada said it issued the advisory to increase awareness so symptoms
can be recognized and addressed quickly.
The agency is working with drug manufacturers to update labelling with new
warnings.
To report an adverse reaction, consumers and health professionals may call
1-866-234-2345 or fax 1-866-678-6789.
