This page has been archived on the Web

Information identified as archived is provided for reference, research or recordkeeping purposes. It is not subject to the Government of Canada Web Standards and has not been altered or updated since it was archived. Please contact us to request a format other than those available.

Public advisory

Archived – Health Canada advises of potential adverse effects of SSRIs and other anti-depressants on newborns

Starting date:
August 9, 2004
Posting date:
August 9, 2004
Type of communication:
Advisory
Subcategory:
Drugs
Source of recall:
Health Canada
Issue:
New safety information, Product Safety
Audience:
General Public
Identification number:
RA-11000190

Health Canada is advising Canadians that newborns may be adversely affected when pregnant women take Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and other newer anti-depressants during the third trimester of pregnancy. This advisory is intended to increase awareness among mothers and physicians of the possible symptoms that may occur in the newborn, so that symptoms can be recognized and addressed quickly.

This advisory applies to the following anti-depressants: bupropion (whether used for depression or for smoking cessation), citalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, mirtazapine, paroxetine, sertraline and venlafaxine.

International and Canadian reports reveal that some newborns whose mothers took these medications during pregnancy have developed complications at birth requiring prolonged hospitalization, breathing support and tube feeding. Reported symptoms include: feeding and/or breathing difficulties, seizures, muscle rigidity, jitteriness and constant crying. In most cases, the newer anti-depressant was taken during the third trimester of pregnancy. These symptoms are consistent with either a direct adverse effect of the anti-depressant on the baby, or possibly a discontinuation syndrome caused by sudden withdrawal from the drug.

When treating depression in pregnant women, physicians and patients should carefully consider the potential risks and benefits of the various treatment options for both the mother and the unborn baby. To date, there is little evidence-based information on how best to treat depression during pregnancy.

If a woman is pregnant and is taking an SSRI, or other newer anti-depressant, she should discuss with the risks and benefits of the various treatment options with her health care professional. It is very important that patients do NOT stop taking these medications without first consulting with their doctor.

The frequency of symptoms may vary with each drug. In the case of two of the newer anti-depressants – bupropion and mirtazapine – discontinuation problems appear to be less than with the other drugs. In the case of mirtazapine, there are only two reports. Health Canada is issuing this advisory to encompass all newer anti-depressants in order to alert Canadians to the potential risk. Health Canada has also worked with the manufacturers of these medications to update their labelling with new precaution information.

Any suspected adverse reactions can be reported directly to the product manufacturer or to:

Canadian Adverse Drug Reaction Monitoring Program (CADRMP)
Marketed Health Products Directorate
Health Canada
Address Locator: 0701C
Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0K9
Tel: 613-957-0337 or
Fax: 613-957-0335

To report an Adverse Reaction, consumers and health professionals may call toll free:
Tel: 866-234-2345
Fax: 866-678-6789
cadrmp@hc-sc.gc.ca

For other inquiries: please refer to contact information.

The AR Reporting Form and the AR Guidelines can be found on the Health Canada web site or in The Canadian Compendium of Pharmaceuticals and Specialties.
 


Media enquiries

Jirina Vlk
Health Canada
613-957-2988

Public enquiries

613-957-2991