- OTTAWA (CP) -- Women who
take some anti-depressant drugs during late pregnancy may be putting their
babies at risk, Health Canada is warning.
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- The department issued an advisory Monday about the following
SSRI anti-depressants: bupropion (used for depression or for smoking cessation),
citalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, mirtazapine, paroxetine, sertraline
and venlafaxine.
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- International and Canadian reports reveal that some newborns
whose mothers took medications containing Selective Serotonin Re-uptake
Inhibitors or other newer anti-depressants during late pregnancy developed
complications at birth requiring prolonged hospitalization, breathing support
and tube feeding.
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- Reported symptoms include feeding and/or breathing difficulties,
seizures, muscle rigidity, jitters and constant crying. In most cases,
the anti-depressant was taken during the last three months of pregnancy.
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- The symptoms could indicate a direct adverse effect on
the baby, or possibly a discontinuation syndrome caused by sudden withdrawal
from the drug.
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- Health Canada said it issued the advisory to increase
awareness so symptoms can be recognized and addressed quickly.
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- The agency is working with drug manufacturers to update
labelling with new warnings.
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- To report an adverse reaction, consumers and health professionals
may call 1-866-234-2345 or fax 1-866-678-6789.
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- © The Canadian Press 2004
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- http://www.canada.com/health/story.html?id=a5
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