Adverse effects in neonates exposed to SSRIs and SNRI in late gestation

Neonates exposed at term to selective serotonine (SSRI) or serotonine-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI) medications may encounter symptoms such as irritability, rigid ity, 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).