Effects of Cortisone and Celexa on early pregnancy & gestati Posted: 05-07-07 01:28am
My main concern is this: There is a
"slight" possibility that I could be
pregnant (approximately 4 weeks) and am
concerned about the effects of both the
cortisone shots I received (3 weeks ago)
for back injury and the anti-depression
medication that I am taking. I am sick
with worry that if I am indeed pregnant
this may cause birth defects. What's the
data with respect to the affects of
cortisone and Celexa on early
gestation?
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DoctorAnswer
Doctor Answer
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Pregnancy Answer A2729 Posted: 05-14-07 06:28am
You wrote:
"List of pre-existing conditions:
depression; previous pregnancy (13 years
ago) required a regiment of progesterone
shots to accelerate the Hcg levels to
continue the pregnancy beyond the 12th
week. Prior to that live birth, I had
three miscarriages at around 10-12 weeks
gestation.
List of other diseases, conditions, or
injuries and their treatment: recent back,
shoulder and neck injury which required
three cortisone shots to trigger point
areas approximately three weeks ago. Also
have had depression for the last 9 years
and regularly taken anti-depressants.
Diagnosis that has been suggested: neck,
back and shoulder strain/sprain
Current medical status: receiving physical
therapy three times a week for shoulder,
back and neck injury
Current medical treatment: Celexa 20 mgs
daily for depression Cortisone shots
(three) intramuscular"
In response to all of your queries, you
can first take a home pregnancy test to
confirm or exclude pregnancy. Cortisone
is a hormone normally present in the body
so it can’t cause any damage to the
embryo.
The other drug you’ve taken, Celexa or
citalopram, belongs to Category C of
pregnancy medications which means that
animal reproduction studies have shown an
adverse effect on the fetus and there are
no adequate and well-controlled studies in
humans. However, potential benefits for
Category C durgs may warrant use of the
drug in pregnant women despite potential
risks. This means that you may take Celexa
only if it is absolutely necessary. I
don’t see such need in your case.
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