In a 2006 edition of Neuropsychopharmacology, an article by D. Maciag et al. titled “Neonatal antidepressant exposure has lasting effects on behavior and serotonin circuitry.” provides important insight into the risks of neonatal exposure to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor drugs before birth.
The team writes “A significant fraction of infants born to mothers taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) during late pregnancy display clear signs of antidepressant withdrawal indicating that these drugs can penetrate fetal brain in utero at biologically significant levels” and cites that “Previous studies in rodents have demonstrated that early exposure to some antidepressants can result in persistent abnormalities in adult behavior and indices of monoaminergic activity.”
Studying rats exposed to Celexa (citalopram) before birth, the team found that “neonatal exposure to citalopram produces selective changes in behavior in adult rats including increased locomotor activity and decreased sexual behavior similar to that previously reported for antidepressants that are nonselective monoamine transport inhibitors. These data indicate that the previously reported neurobehavioral effects of antidepressants are a consequence of their effects on the serotonin transporter. Moreover, these data argue that exposure to SSRIs at an early age can disrupt the normal maturation of the serotonin system and alter serotonin-dependent neuronal processes.”
Because of discrepancies between data like this and SSRI warning labels, a number of SSRI birth defect lawsuits have been filed. If you or a loved one used Celexa or another SSRI during pregnancy and gave birth to a child with a congenital malformation or who had perinatal complications, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation. For a free, no-obligation case consultation, contact our team of Celexa® birth defects lawyers at the information provided below. We have the experience, resources, and skills required to win the justice you deserve. Call today and see how we can help.
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Our SSRI Birth Defects Lawsuit Information page is a great place to start if you have any questions about SSRIs and Birth Defects.