Key result
Sudden discontinuation of venlafaxine during pregnancy led to withdrawal symptoms including involuntary limb movements in a neonate, which resolved completely without intervention.
Why the study?
Sudden withdrawal of some drugs can lead to withdrawal issues in neonates indirectly exposed during pregnancy, but clinical awareness is limited.
Case Report (n=1)
Healthcare professionals should be aware that sudden discontinuation of antidepressants like venlafaxine during pregnancy can lead to withdrawal symptoms in neonates, highlighting the need for tapering.
May signal neonatal venlafaxine withdrawal after maternal discontinuation; single case leaves open need for prospective perinatal studies.
Sudden withdrawal of some drugs leads to withdrawal issues. We describe a baby girl who was indirectly exposed to venlafaxine as her mother was administered this drug during pregnancy for treatment of depression. The subject presented with involuntary movement of the limbs. The mother had also encountered similar scenario along with some other symptoms after she suddenly discontinued her medication. The symptoms of the mother completely resolved a few hours after the she took another dose of venlafaxine. The baby was kept under observation and recovered completely without any intervention. We suggest that healthcare professionals should be aware that patients may require tapering of anti-depressants before discontinuation.
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Gurung et al. (2021) conducted a case report in Serotonin syndrome / Antidepressant withdrawal (n=1). Venlafaxine discontinuation was evaluated on Withdrawal symptoms (involuntary movement of limbs). Sudden discontinuation of venlafaxine during pregnancy led to withdrawal symptoms including involuntary limb movements in a neonate, which resolved completely without intervention.
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