Posted by SLS on July 12, 2008, at 4:41:27
In reply to Re: Lexaprol and welbutrin mix during pregnancy » Kevines, posted by raisinb on July 11, 2008, at 15:45:15
Linkadge is absolutely right when he says that the infant must suffer a withdrawal syndrome once delivered. Some of the observable symptoms include irritability and persistent crying. This is often explained away as being colic. It may be that the withdrawal effects are more broad and severe
If I remember correctly, there is some comprimise in lung function. Persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN) is a dangerous complication that can arise late in a pregnancy. So, there are two untoward events that occur to the infant. SRI withdrawal and PPHN. (SRI includes any antidepressant that potently inhibits the reuptake of serotonin, and includes Effexor, Cymbalta, and Anafranil). PPHN seems to occur more often when an SRI is taken after the 20th week of pregnancy.
The one thing I can't provide you with is statistics. Some researchers cite the resolution of PPHN and withdrawal syndrome to occur within a few days. Many insist that the benefits of continued SRI treatment are indicated as to prevent postpartum depression in the mother.
I really can't take a position of recommending a course of action with certainty. I simply don't know how common these effects are. Much depends on your case history. If you had difficulty finding a drug that works and tried a great many of them, I would probably stay on the medication. However, it might be fair to say that reducing the dosage gradually during the last month and immediately raising it upon birth might be a way to go. Then, the degree of withdrawal effects that the infant experiences can be reduced.
http://www.womensmentalhealth.org/posts/ssris-and-persistent-pulmonary-hypertension-of-the-newborn/
Now that you have been appropriately scared by this post, I recommend a trip to Google; to be followed up with conferences with your psychiatrist and obstetrician.
- Scott
poster:SLS
thread:839242
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20080706/msgs/839404.html