Placental transfer of SSRI and SNRI antidepressants and effects on the neonate.
BACKGROUND
We investigated placental transfer and neurobehavioural effects in neonates exposed to citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine or sertraline (SSRI's), or to venlafaxine (an SNRI).


METHODS
Women receiving antidepressants during pregnancy and their neonates were studied. Cord and maternal drug concentrations were measured at birth and in the neonates plasma on day 3. Neonates were also assessed using a range of neurobehavioral tests and compared to controls.


RESULTS
Median cord/maternal distribution ratio was 0.7-0.86 (range) for SSRIs, 0.72 for the SNRI venlafaxine and 1.08 for the O-desmethyl metabolite. Neonatal abstinence scores were significantly higher (p<0.05) in exposed infants than controls on day 1. Brazelton scores for habituation, social-interactive, motor and autonomic clusters, and serotonin scores were significantly greater (p<0.05) in exposed infants.


CONCLUSIONS
Transfer of SSRIs and SNRIs across the placenta was substantial. Neonates developed mild behavioral symptoms in the early perinatal period but these were self-limiting and similar for both SSRIs and the SNRI venlafaxine.
Rampono
J
J
Department of Psychological Medicine, King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women, Subiaco, Australia.
Simmer
K
K
Ilett
K F
KF
Hackett
L P
LP
Doherty
D A
DA
Elliot
R
R
Kok
C H
CH
Coenen
A
A
Forman
T
T
D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000097:blood / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D005312:Fetal Blood; D006801:Humans; D018730:Infant Behavior / Q000187:drug effects; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008431:Maternal-Fetal Exchange; D009357:Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011446:Prospective Studies; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000097:blood / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*
D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors