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Updated: Jun 26, 2026

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
Adverse effects in neonates exposed to SSRIs and SNRI in late gestation--Motherisk Update 2008
1The Motherisk Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto. gkoren@sickkids.ca
Neonates exposed at term to selective serotonine (SSRI) or serotonine-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI) medications may encounter symptoms such as irritability, rigidity, tremor and respiratory distress. Most available data suggest that these self limited symptoms are due to discontinuation of the drug, although there are documented cases of symptoms associated with high serum concentrations in the neonate that subsided when levels fall. Preliminary evidence suggests that the very early respiratory symptoms may not be part of discontinuation but rather part of a reversible form of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN).
Neonates exposed at term to selective serotonine (SSRI) or serotonine-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI) medications may encounter symptoms such as irritability, rigidity, tremor and respiratory distress. Most available data suggest that these self limited symptoms are due to discontinuation of the drug, although there are documented cases of symptoms associated with high serum concentrations in the neonate that subsided when levels fall. Preliminary evidence suggests that the very early respiratory symptoms may not be part of discontinuation but rather part of a reversible form of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN).
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