[MsBlack]

<p>I can't find much of value on this...well, everything from 'the benefits outweigh the risks', to 'causes serious problems for babies'.  One piece of info that seems universal is that it's not recommended at all for last trimester (when it is most likely to cause problems for baby).</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Anyone with good articles or any experience with Lexapro in pregnancy?  This prospective client is currently taking 10mgs.  She has come through 2 other pregnancies on low-dose Paxil, later discovered the addictive quality of Paxil and got off it this year after some 4-5 yrs of use.  New pregnancy (before she knew she was pregnant) brought back her anxiety in force, and lexapro was dx'ed. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>It all seems to boil down to a faulty thyroid, now in process of being explored.  But for the meantime, debilitating s/s of anxiety drive her to use some SSRI to be able to function.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>thanks!</p>

 

[~Kristina~]

<p>I used Lexapro 10mg in my 4th pregnancy with no issues and 20mg half way through my 5th pregnancy.  Sorry I couldn't help more.</p>

 

[jengacnm]

<p>Most studies are about SSRIs, not only Lexapro. Third trimester use increases the risk of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn-from 1-2 per thousand to 6-12 per thousand.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Odds I'm willing to live with.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>If her anxiety is truly debilitaing, the risk of PPHN is worth the risk of untreated anxiety-the concrete risk is preterm labor, the less quantifiable one is the baby being bathed in catecholamines for however long she's not taking the Lexapro.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>HTH!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Jennifer</p>

 

[MsFortune]

<p><br><br>
 </p>
<div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>jengacnm</strong> <a href="/community/forum/thread/1281960/lexapro-and-pregnancy#post_16081323"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border-right:0px solid;border-top:0px solid;border-left:0px solid;border-bottom:0px solid;"></a><br><br><p>Most studies are about SSRIs, not only Lexapro. Third trimester use increases the risk of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn-from 1-2 per thousand to 6-12 per thousand.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Odds I'm willing to live with.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>If her anxiety is truly debilitaing, the risk of PPHN is worth the risk of untreated anxiety-the concrete risk is preterm labor, the less quantifiable one is the baby being bathed in catecholamines for however long she's not taking the Lexapro.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>HTH!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Jennifer</p>
</div>
</div>
<p><br>
Agreed.  I have pretty bad depression and stayed on Lexapro for both of my pregnancies.  The risks were so small (as you quoted) compared to a very real risk of depression while pregnant, and very very high risk of PPD after.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Both my kids are fine, for what that is worth. </p>

 

[mamato3cherubs]

<p>I was researching this for a friend this year as well, and could ony find about as much as has already been mentioned. She stayed on, as the anxiety and her own fear of ppd after birth seemed to outweigh the risk. Babe is now 2.5 months, exc.breastfed, mom still on 10mgs and all seem to be doing very well.</p>

 

[MsBlack]

<p>Thanks, all--</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I'd forgotten about this thread because of many other things overtaking my attention this past few weeks.  But it's time for me to get back to it since I'll be seeing this mom again soon.  I totally agree that the risk with debilitating anxiety is great enough to merit pharmacological intervention--and mainly have hoped to find out Lexapro's safety and whether other SSRI's might be better. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Hi Lisa!  <span><img alt="hola.gif" src="http://files.mothering.com/images/smilies/hola.gif" style="width:35px;height:35px;"></span></p>

 

[mamato3cherubs]

<br><br><div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>MsBlack</strong> <a href="/community/forum/thread/1281960/lexapro-and-pregnancy#post_16134176"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border-bottom:0px solid;border-left:0px solid;border-top:0px solid;border-right:0px solid;"></a><br><br><p> </p>
<p>Hi Lisa!  <span><img alt="hola.gif" src="http://files.mothering.com/images/smilies/hola.gif" style="width:35px;height:35px;"></span></p>
</div>
</div>
<p><br><br>
Hey there! I don't make it over this way too much any more, maybe I will drop you a PM sometime, dont know if I still have your emial addy, as we should chat! (I still wish I could have gotten your but over this way!)</p>
<p> </p>

 

[spedteacher30]

<p>Lexapro was not my psych's first choice because it was still a relatively new drug 5 years ago when I got pregnant. He preferred me to take Zoloft, but was insistent that even Lexapro was better than anxiety, depression and panic attacks--particularly recurrent panic attacks which he said caused low birth weight and placenta issues.</p>