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Sunday, November 19, 2006
Taking Lexapro When Pregnant
Kristy, 25 from Jackson, MS asks...
I am taking Lexapro 20 mg a day. Can this harm the baby? I feel bad for having to take it but without it I have severe panic attacks.
Stacy Says...
Like any other medication, Lexapro should be taken with caution simply for the fact we don't know enough of the long-term effects of Lexapro on the baby. We do know there are plenty of women who have had healthy babies after taking Lexapro.
But the concept remains, any medication you take, will cross the placental barrier and be given to your baby. Meaning there has to be a decision made to the risks/benefits ratio. If your panic attacks are so severe you are completely unable to function, I would continue taking the medication. If your panic attacks are infrequent and mild, maybe your doctor can prescribe a short-acting medication that you can take as needed, just for these 9 months. If you are willing AND able to suffer through the panic attacks for just a few months, then do that.
These are all questions YOU have to ponder and come to a decision about. Talk with your doctor about it. Both your OBGYN and the MD that prescribed the Lexapro and tell them your concerns. In the end make a decision that's best for your baby AND you. Your baby needs a healthy mommy as well!
I am taking Lexapro 20 mg a day. Can this harm the baby? I feel bad for having to take it but without it I have severe panic attacks.
Stacy Says...
Like any other medication, Lexapro should be taken with caution simply for the fact we don't know enough of the long-term effects of Lexapro on the baby. We do know there are plenty of women who have had healthy babies after taking Lexapro.
But the concept remains, any medication you take, will cross the placental barrier and be given to your baby. Meaning there has to be a decision made to the risks/benefits ratio. If your panic attacks are so severe you are completely unable to function, I would continue taking the medication. If your panic attacks are infrequent and mild, maybe your doctor can prescribe a short-acting medication that you can take as needed, just for these 9 months. If you are willing AND able to suffer through the panic attacks for just a few months, then do that.
These are all questions YOU have to ponder and come to a decision about. Talk with your doctor about it. Both your OBGYN and the MD that prescribed the Lexapro and tell them your concerns. In the end make a decision that's best for your baby AND you. Your baby needs a healthy mommy as well!
Monday, November 13, 2006
Baby Blues
Parents do a lot of guessing on what could be troubling a fussy baby. If he's crying, he may be hungry or tired. But could he be depressed?
"Babies can be depressed," said Dr. Jess Shatkin, director of education and training at New York University's Child Study Center. "It's not a terribly common phenomenon. We think maybe one in 40 or so — but it can certainly happen."
Although it's not very common, there are two telltale signs of baby depression, experts say.
First, depressed babies do not exhibit a lot of emotion. Second, depressed babies may have trouble eating or sleeping, and may be irritable. (Full story here)
"Babies can be depressed," said Dr. Jess Shatkin, director of education and training at New York University's Child Study Center. "It's not a terribly common phenomenon. We think maybe one in 40 or so — but it can certainly happen."
Although it's not very common, there are two telltale signs of baby depression, experts say.
First, depressed babies do not exhibit a lot of emotion. Second, depressed babies may have trouble eating or sleeping, and may be irritable. (Full story here)
