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Neonatal paroxetine withdrawal syndrome
J A Stiskal1, N Kulin, G Koren
1Division of Neonatology, Morristown Memorial Hospital, Morristown, New Jersey, USA.
Archives of Disease in Childhood. Fetal and Neonatal Edition
|February 24, 2001
Summary
Neonatal exposure to paroxetine during pregnancy may lead to adverse effects. Four newborns experienced symptoms like jitteriness and necrotising enterocolitis following in utero paroxetine exposure.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal pharmacology
- Developmental toxicology
- Maternal-fetal medicine
Background:
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly prescribed during pregnancy.
- Paroxetine, an SSRI, crosses the placenta and can affect fetal development.
- Understanding the risks of in utero drug exposure is crucial for perinatal care.
Observation:
- Four term neonates exhibited clinical signs of distress shortly after birth.
- Symptoms included significant jitteriness and feeding difficulties.
- One neonate developed necrotising enterocolitis, a serious intestinal condition.
Findings:
- All four neonates had a documented history of maternal paroxetine use during gestation.
- The onset of symptoms correlated with the timing of in utero exposure.
- Necrotising enterocolitis in a neonate exposed to paroxetine raises specific concerns.
Implications:
- This case series suggests a potential association between in utero paroxetine exposure and neonatal complications.
- Further research is warranted to establish causality and understand the underlying mechanisms.
- Clinicians should consider these potential risks when prescribing paroxetine to pregnant individuals.