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Can Taking Lexapro In Pregnancy Cause Cognitive Issues In A Child?

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Posted on Wed, 16 Aug 2017
Question: ISSUE:I just found out from reading a note included in medical report for my adopted son....that the birth mom reported she had taken Lexapro for the first half of her pregnancy. I know her medical history icludes a bipolar birth mother and a birth dad with seizures. Recently this woman told me she had low sodium in her blood. (I am reading these are conditions for concern with Lexapro.) She does wear glasses and does regularly use ibuprofen. QUESTION: What are the likely interactions with a pregnancy? The child is now 10 yrs old, has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Disruptive Behavior Disorder, and Static Encephalopathy....they say he's a "mixed bag", and since he can't read yet and has had trouble with "attending"/sitting still, there has not been a completed cognitive assessment test done. He is social, (I've had him since birth and have open contact with his birth mom...), and empathetic in spite of sight issues, speech issues, and academic delays. Could this drug plus his biological families medical history affected his in-utero development????? Thanks for any insight....adoptive mom XXXXXXX XXXX 0000
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Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (58 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Both are possible factors that may contribute.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.

I have read your question and understand your concerns.

Use of Lexapro ( escitalopram ) during pregnancy is a well known factor that may cause complications in newborns.

The pregnancy category for Lexapro is C, that means it is considered with associated risk if used.

So, both, inheritance and Lexapro use during pregnancy may have contributed to your adopted son's problems.

Hope you found the answer helpful.

Take care.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho

Neurologist, Surgical

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 4502 Questions

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Can Taking Lexapro In Pregnancy Cause Cognitive Issues In A Child?

Brief Answer: Both are possible factors that may contribute. Detailed Answer: Hello and thanks for using HCM. I have read your question and understand your concerns. Use of Lexapro ( escitalopram ) during pregnancy is a well known factor that may cause complications in newborns. The pregnancy category for Lexapro is C, that means it is considered with associated risk if used. So, both, inheritance and Lexapro use during pregnancy may have contributed to your adopted son's problems. Hope you found the answer helpful. Take care.