Celexa and Breast Feeding
| Celexa is the brand name of the drug citalopram hydrobromide. This drug is primarily used in the treatment of depression and belongs to a family of drugs known as selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors or SSRIs. Anti-depressant action of Celexa is primarily due to effective restoration of chemical balance in brain by increasing the supply of a chemical messenger in the brain known as serotonin. |
Mothers and pregnant women often suffer from depression. Celexa is considered to be one of the safest drugs that can be used to reduce anxiety and depression during pregnancy and post-partum. As per USFDA guidelines, Celexa is a Category C drug whose usage is considered reasonable within the prescribed limits. Although there is available data regarding the ill-effects of Celexa on pregnant women, research has shown that Celexa rapidly passes through breast milk. The milk to serum concentration ration of this drug is 1.6:3. As per the manufacturer, breastfeeding infants exposed to Celexa through breast milk experience symptoms such as excessive tiredness, irritability, constant crying, decreased feed intake and weight loss. Infants tend to recover from these symptoms once the mother stops taking Celexa. However, pregnant women should be cautious while taking Celexa. Toxic dosage of Celexa more than the maximum recommended human dose can be fatal to the fetus causing fetal abnormalities or decreased growth of fetus or even death.
The most usual side effects of Celexa include abdominal pain, agitation, anxiety, diarrhea, drowsiness, dry mouth, fatigue, impotence, indigestion, insomnia, loss of appetite, nausea, nasal inflammation, sweating, tremor and vomiting. Celexa should not be prescribed to patients who are being administered with antidepressants such as Marplan, Nardil and Parnate that are known as MAO inhibitors.
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