Pregnancy is a time of joy and anticipation. Unfortunately, it can also be a time filled with worry — especially if you’re dealing with mental health conditions like depression or anxiety. It’s valid to have concerns about the safety of taking antidepressants like Lexapro, or any other type of medication, during your pregnancy.

Is Lexapro Safe During Pregnancy?

Can you take Lexapro while pregnant? The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies the antidepressant medication Lexapro as a “Pregnancy Category C” drug. Essentially, this means risk can’t fully be ruled out, and more research should be done. Thus, the FDA recommends consulting your doctor before deciding if you should take Lexapro during pregnancy.

Lexapro prescription onlineGet an evaluation and prescription for Lexapro from a psychiatric provider licensed in your state.Get started

Lexapro prescription onlineGet an evaluation and prescription for Lexapro from a psychiatric provider licensed in your state.

Lexapro prescription online

Get an evaluation and prescription for Lexapro from a psychiatric provider licensed in your state.

“Some studies show that Lexapro can cause problems with pregnancy, especially into the third trimester leading to respiratory problems with the newborn. Unfortunately, the beginning of pregnancy can sometimes trigger depression, so this is a question that’s better left to your doctor.”

Can Lexapro cause birth defects?

When discussing Lexapro and pregnancy, we should point out that someresearchfound that when mothers tookselective serotonin reuptake inhibitors(SSRIs) during their pregnancy (Lexapro is an SSRI), the babies had aslightlyhigher risk of developing certain congenital disabilities. However, it’s important to note that this increased risk was minimal. Most babies were born healthy and without complications related to a mother’s use of SSRIs during pregnancy.

What Happens If You Take Lexapro While Pregnant

Low birth weight and preterm labor/birth

Somestudiesshow that Lexapro may increase the risk of low birth weight. It also might contribute to thechance of preterm birth.

Withdrawal

One of Lexapro’s side effects for a pregnant woman may include withdrawal symptoms. Some babies born to mothers who took certain medications during pregnancy may experience withdrawal symptoms. Common signs of withdrawal can include excessive crying, tremors or shaking, poor feeding habits, sleep disturbances, irritability, and jitteriness.

What if You’re Already Taking Lexapro?

If you’re already taking Lexapro, it’s normal to worry and wonder — can you take Lexapro while pregnant? The bottom line: it’s critical to talk to your doctor about this or any other medication use.

Your doctor will help you weigh the potential risks vs. benefits of stopping Lexapro during pregnancy. They’ll consider factors such as your medical history and current mental health status before making a recommendation.

“It’s important to discuss starting or stopping any medication with your doctor, especially if you are pregnant. Medications like Lexapro are excellent for treating depression, however only your doctor can help you make the decision on whether or not the risks outweigh the benefits.”

Talk to a Psychiatrist About Safe MedicationsWhen it comes to mental health, medication can be a powerful tool in managing symptoms. However, in the case of Lexapro and pregnancy, the risks must be carefully weighed. If you’re pregnant and consideringpsychiatrist-prescribed medication, or if you’re taking Lexapro and thinking about getting — or just found out you are — pregnant, talk to your psychiatrist or doctor about your options.Talkspace helps provide online therapy and psychiatry so you have access to licensed therapists and psychiatrists from anywhere. Text messaging, phone calls, or video chat technology makes getting help simple and convenient. Finding a mental health care professional who specializes in treating depression during pregnancy allows expectant mothers greater flexibility when seeking professional help without leaving home.For more details around potential side effects and interactions, learn aboutweight gain on Lexaproand the risks of takingLexapro and alcohol.

Talk to a Psychiatrist About Safe Medications

When it comes to mental health, medication can be a powerful tool in managing symptoms. However, in the case of Lexapro and pregnancy, the risks must be carefully weighed. If you’re pregnant and consideringpsychiatrist-prescribed medication, or if you’re taking Lexapro and thinking about getting — or just found out you are — pregnant, talk to your psychiatrist or doctor about your options.

Talkspace helps provide online therapy and psychiatry so you have access to licensed therapists and psychiatrists from anywhere. Text messaging, phone calls, or video chat technology makes getting help simple and convenient. Finding a mental health care professional who specializes in treating depression during pregnancy allows expectant mothers greater flexibility when seeking professional help without leaving home.

For more details around potential side effects and interactions, learn aboutweight gain on Lexaproand the risks of takingLexapro and alcohol.

Sources:

Our goal at Talkspace is to provide the most up-to-date, valuable, and objective information on mental health-related topics in order to help readers make informed decisions.

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