Pexeva and Pregnancy

Healthcare providers do not usually recommend taking Pexeva (paroxetine mesylate) during pregnancy. The medication has been associated with health problems in the infant, especially if taken during the first trimester. However, it may still be prescribed to a pregnant woman if her depression is not responding to other treatments. If you are pregnant, talk to your healthcare provider about your treatment options.

Pexeva Medication Information

I'm Pregnant -- Can I Take Pexeva?

Pexeva^® (paroxetine mesylate) is a prescription medication used to treat a variety of mental health conditions, including major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. Pexeva is a pregnancy Category D medicine, which means it may cause harm to an unborn child.

What Is Pregnancy Category D?

The U.

S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) uses a category system to classify the possible risks to a fetus when a specific medicine is taken during pregnancy.

Pregnancy Category D is a classification given to medicines that have been shown to present a risk to the fetus in studies of pregnant women but may still offer benefits that outweigh the risks the drug presents. A pregnancy Category D medicine may still be given to a pregnant woman if the healthcare provider believes that the benefits to the woman outweigh the possible risks to the unborn child.

When Pexeva is taken in the first trimester, it may cause heart problems in the fetus, such as septal defects (a hole in the wall of the heart). These heart problems may be minor and may correct themselves, or they may be severe enough to require surgery.

When Pexeva is taken in the third trimester, it may cause side effects or withdrawal symptoms in the newborn baby. These can include:

Irritability
Jitteriness
Constant crying
Eating problems.

In some cases, the side effects are severe, such as breathing problems or seizures.

This medication is not recommended for use in pregnant women, except in special situations, such as in women with severe depression who do not respond to other antidepressants. However, it is important to avoid stopping Pexeva too suddenly. Doing so may lead to withdrawal symptoms, such as:

Headache
Irritability
Anxiety
Confusion
Insomnia.

It should be noted that depression during pregnancy may lead to low fetal birth weight, as well as pre-term delivery. In addition, severe depression can be quite disabling for a pregnant woman. Therefore, it is important that depression be adequately treated during pregnancy.

The decision on whether to use psychotherapy (counseling) or medications is an individual one, based on multiple factors, including the severity of the depression and what treatments have worked in the past. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about the best option for your particular situation.

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