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What Are The Risks Of Taking Lexapro While Trying To Conceive?

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Posted on Tue, 11 Aug 2015
Question: Hi I'm on Lexapro 10mg for GAD and am wanting to get pregnant again what are the risks of this medication . I have been having counselling on and on for 4 years after loosing my son who was born premature at 28 weeks due to growth restriction so I do dot want to cause any harm to a baby i may carry so I have not started this medication lightly but I have not been able to get past this and I have turned down medication many times over the past 4 years . What if am still on lexapro in the first trimester will this cause any problems
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Answered by Dr. Shanti Vennam (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Can be used if definitely needed.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for trusting us with your health concern.

Lexapro contains Escitalopram, which has been classified under category C for pregnancy. This means the drug has no controlled human studies in pregnancy and animal studies have shown teratogenecity and adverse effects on the fetus. Thus, the drug may be used if the potential benefits outweigh the risks. Sudden stoppage of the drug during pregnancy is not to be done.

Thus, if you wish to get pregnant in near future, please discuss with your therapist as well as your gynecologist as to the need for this medication and if it is so, the precautions to be taken.

Hope your query has been clarified. Please feel free to contact for further information. I will be happy to help.

regards,
Shanti.V.
Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
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Dr. Shanti Vennam

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Practicing since :1989

Answered : 7667 Questions

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What Are The Risks Of Taking Lexapro While Trying To Conceive?

Brief Answer: Can be used if definitely needed. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for trusting us with your health concern. Lexapro contains Escitalopram, which has been classified under category C for pregnancy. This means the drug has no controlled human studies in pregnancy and animal studies have shown teratogenecity and adverse effects on the fetus. Thus, the drug may be used if the potential benefits outweigh the risks. Sudden stoppage of the drug during pregnancy is not to be done. Thus, if you wish to get pregnant in near future, please discuss with your therapist as well as your gynecologist as to the need for this medication and if it is so, the precautions to be taken. Hope your query has been clarified. Please feel free to contact for further information. I will be happy to help. regards, Shanti.V.