Can You Take Lexapro While Pregnant? What to Know

Finding out you are pregnant can bring new questions about medications you already take, especially medications used for depression or anxiety. If you are asking, “can you take Lexapro while pregnant?” the short answer is that Lexapro may be used during pregnancy when a healthcare provider determines that the benefits of treatment outweigh the potential risks. The decision should be individualized, and you should not stop Lexapro suddenly because you become pregnant.

This article explains what Lexapro is, what research says about its use during pregnancy, possible concerns for the baby, and how dosage may factor into a treatment discussion.

What Is Lexapro?

Lexapro is the brand name for escitalopram, a prescription antidepressant in a medication class called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. In the United States, Lexapro is approved to treat major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. SSRIs affect serotonin, a chemical involved in mood regulation. Depression and anxiety can also affect health during pregnancy. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, or ACOG, advises that the potential effects of untreated mental health conditions should be considered alongside medication risks when making treatment decisions.

Can You Take Lexapro While Pregnant?

Current evidence does not suggest that escitalopram causes a large increase in the overall risk of birth defects. MotherToBaby reports published information from more than 15,000 pregnancies exposed to citalopram or escitalopram, with most studies finding no increased chance of birth defects. Some studies have reported possible associations with certain birth defects, but limitations in those studies make it difficult to determine whether the medication or other factors were responsible.

Other pregnancy considerations are less certain. Some research has linked escitalopram use throughout pregnancy with preterm birth or low birth weight, although depression itself can also contribute to pregnancy complications. This makes it difficult to separate the effects of the medication from the effects of the underlying condition.

Use of Lexapro later in pregnancy may also be associated with temporary symptoms in some newborns, including jitteriness, feeding difficulties, problems regulating body temperature, or breathing difficulties. The prescribing information also describes persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn, or PPHN, as a potential concern with SSRI exposure later in pregnancy. MotherToBaby notes that even where an association has been reported, the overall chance of PPHN with SSRI exposure remains below 1%.

These potential risks do not mean that every pregnant patient should discontinue Lexapro. A healthcare provider can consider your symptoms, treatment history, previous relapses, stage of pregnancy, other medications, and individual health needs.

Is 5mg of Lexapro a Low Dose?

If you are wondering, “is 5mg of Lexapro a low dose,” 5 mg is lower than the FDA-labeled recommended adult dosage of 10 mg once daily for major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. Lexapro tablets are available in 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg strengths.

However, taking a lower dose does not automatically make Lexapro the right choice during pregnancy. Your healthcare provider may select a dose based on how well your symptoms are controlled, side effects, other health conditions, and your previous response to treatment. Do not lower your dose or stop treatment without discussing it with your prescriber. Abrupt discontinuation can cause withdrawal-like symptoms and may allow depression or anxiety symptoms to return.

Questions to Discuss With Your Healthcare Provider

Before starting, stopping, or changing Lexapro during pregnancy, consider asking your healthcare provider:

• What are the risks of continuing Lexapro compared with leaving my depression or anxiety untreated?

• Is my current dose still appropriate during pregnancy?

• Should my symptoms or medication dose be monitored more closely?

• Could any other medications or supplements I take interact with Lexapro?

• Does my delivery team need to know that I am taking an SSRI?

The Lexapro prescribing information also lists a National Pregnancy Registry for Antidepressants, which collects information about antidepressant exposure during pregnancy. Your healthcare provider can discuss whether participating is appropriate for you.

If Lexapro remains part of your prescribed treatment plan, Canada Pharmacy’s Lexapro page provides information about brand and generic escitalopram in 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg strengths. A prescription is required.

Pregnancy medication decisions require a balance between managing your mental health and considering possible medication risks. Speak with your obstetrician, psychiatrist, primary care provider, or pharmacist before making changes to Lexapro. This article is for general educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice.

FAQs

Is Lexapro safe during the first trimester?

Available research has not shown a clear increase in the overall rate of birth defects with escitalopram exposure, but no medication can be described as risk-free for every pregnancy. Your healthcare provider can assess whether continuing Lexapro is appropriate for your individual situation.

Is 5 mg of Lexapro considered a low dose?

Yes. The FDA-labeled recommended adult dosage for major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder is 10 mg once daily, so 5 mg is a lower dose. The appropriate dose depends on the individual and should be determined by a healthcare provider.

Should I stop taking Lexapro if I find out I am pregnant?

Do not stop Lexapro abruptly without speaking with your healthcare provider. Sudden discontinuation may cause symptoms such as dizziness, irritability, anxiety, sleep problems, or mood changes, and your original condition may worsen or return.

Can taking Lexapro during pregnancy affect a newborn?

Some babies exposed to escitalopram later in pregnancy may experience temporary symptoms after delivery, such as jitteriness, feeding difficulties, temperature instability, or breathing problems. Not every exposed baby develops these symptoms.