Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 1, 2026

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
[Withdrawal symptoms in a neonate following exposure to venlafaxine during pregnancy]
R A de Moor1, L Mourad, J ter Haar
1Afd. Kindergeneeskunde, TweeSteden ziekenhuis, Postbus 90.107, 5000 LA Tilburg. rdmoor@tsz.nl
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.
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.
Related Concept Videos
Pharmacovigilance
This process, termed pharmacovigilance, aims to detect, evaluate, and minimize harmful effects related to medication use. The data collection for pharmacovigilance depends on spontaneous reporting systems, where healthcare professionals or patients voluntarily report suspected ADRs.
In some cases, there...
Teratogenicity
Antidepressant Drugs: Overview
Antidepressant Drugs: Tricyclics, SSRIs, and SNRIs
Antidepressant Drugs: MAOIs and Other Agents
Upper Respiratory Drugs: Antitussives, Expectorants, and Mucolytics
Antitussives include codeine, dextromethorphan (Robitussin), and benzonatate (Tessalon). Codeine and dextromethorphan exert their effects centrally by suppressing the cough reflex center in the medulla. Benzonatate operates peripherally within the respiratory tract by anesthetizing...

