Citalopram serum and milk levels in mother and infant during lactation

E J F Franssen1, V Meijs, F Ettaher

  • 1Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Onze Lieve Vrouwe Gasthuis, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. e.j.f.franssen@olvg.nl

We present a case of intensified therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of citalopram in mother and newborn infant after clinically observed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)-associated symptoms 2 weeks until 2 months after delivery. The SSRI-associated symptoms observed in the infant (up to 3 weeks after delivery) were irregular breathing, sleep disorders, hypotonia, and hypertonia. We conclude that the SSRI-associated symptoms in the infant represent citalopram withdrawal effects rather than side effects caused by breastfeeding. This case illustrates the importance of a flexible TDM program and a multidisciplinary approach in a hospital setting to deal with cases of drug-associated adverse effects, such as SSRI withdrawal effects.

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