Celexa is categorized as a Category C drug in Pregnancy. Category C means that there are not enough clinical trials or studies to demonstrate its safety or effectiveness during pregnancy.
Generally, the treatment of major depression is continued during pregnancy.
Celexa Pregnancy Risk Factor C
Citalopram crosses the placental barrier and citalopram side effects have been observed in animal and human studies.
Teratogenic effects of citalopram may include cardiovascular defects.
Nonteratogenic effects in the newborn following citalopram and other SSRIs/ SNRIs exposure late in the third trimester include
- respiratory distress
- Cyanosis
- Apnea
- Seizures
- Temperature instability
- Feeding difficulty
- Vomiting
- Hypoglycemia
- Hypotonia or hypertonia
- Hyperreflexia
- Jitteriness
- Irritability
- Constant crying
- Tremors
Symptoms may be due to discontinuation or the toxicity of the SSRIs/SNRIs
Another serious citalopram side effect is the persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn associated with SSRI exposure.
According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), the risks and benefits should be weighed and treatment should be reinitiated after delivery in patients at risk of post-partum depression.
