Anti-Psychotic Drugs Pose Pregnancy Risk of Newborn Withdrawal Symptoms

The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) issued a statement recently, advising health care professionals that it has updated product labels on Anti-psychotic drugs, warning of pregnancy dangers to newborns including EPS and withdrawal symptoms.

Anti-psychotic drugs included in the new labeling process and contra-indicated for use in pregnancy include: Haldol, FazaClo, Fanapt, Clozaril, Risperdal, Zyprexa, Seroquel, Abilify, Geodon, Invega, Loxitane, Moban, Navane, Orap, Saphris, Stelazine, Thorazine and Symbyax.

These medications are prescribed to patients with schizophrenia, Bi-Polar Disorder and other psychiatric disorders.

The new FDA labels warn obstetric doctors and gynecologists that infants born to mothers taking any of these anti-psychotic drugs in the last trimester of pregnancy are at risk for withdrawal symptoms in response to the drug. Infants exposed in utero to anti-psychotic drugs show increased levels of EPS, or extrapyramidal signs.

How can you tell if an infant is experiencing anti-psychotic drug withdrawal symptoms or EPS? Both conditions are similar. In fact, EPS is not a condition of its own as much as a collection of symptoms in response to another condition. Extrapyramidal Symptoms include tremors, agitation, involuntary muscle movements, rigidity and restlessness. EPS are often Alzeheimer's Disease symptoms. Anti-psychotic drug withdrawal symptoms may also include severe breathing difficulties, sleepiness and difficulty eating. EPS and withdrawal symptoms may last from as brief as a few hours after birth to several days.

The FDA Med Watch reports that newborns do not require specific treatment, but may extend hospital stays after birth. What this likely means is that there is no specific treatment protocol for babies experiencing anti-psychotic drug withdrawal. The infant's system must purge itself of the drug. What should you do if you or your baby is affected by this alert? Here is a voluntary reporting form if you took doctor prescribed anti-psychotic drugs while pregnant and your baby shows EPS or withdrawal symptoms.

It is advisable for physicians and OB-GYN doctors to consider other alternatives for their patients who are taking an anti-psychotic drug during pregnancy. Early post birth trauma has been linked to other physical and emotional conditions later in life. Eric Dolgan, DO, FCA discusses different birth traumas like drug withdrawal in his report on pregnancy and health. Whether anti-psychotic drug damage is permanent or the effects, temporary, it behooves mothers and babies to experience the most healthy, positive birthing experience possible.

Marilisa Kinney Sachteleben writes from 22+ years parenting and homeschooling four children and 25+ years teaching K-8, adult education and special needs students including EI, CI, LD and ASD populations. Marilisa is trained in psychology and mental health and writes about parenting concerns for the Yahoo! Contributor Network.