Withdrawal symptoms in a neonate following exposure to venlafaxine during pregnancy
De Moor, R.A.; Mourad, L.; ter Haar, J.; Egberts, A.C.
Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde 147(28): 1370-1372
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 0028-2162 PMID: 12892015 Document Number: 566108
Withdrawal symptoms occurred in a male neonate after maternal use of venlafaxine for depression during pregnancy. The symptoms were restlessness, hypertonia, jitteriness, irritability and poor feeding. The diagnosis was confirmed by a temporary improvement after administration of a low dose (1 mg) of venlafaxine to the boy. Eventually the symptoms began to decline spontaneously, and ceased after 8 days. Exposure to venlafaxine and other antidepressants which inhibit serotonin reuptake during the third trimester of pregnancy carries the risk of a neonatal withdrawal syndrome.