Amoxapine and Pregnancy

In animal studies, amoxapine was shown to cause miscarriages and stillbirths in pregnant animals. The medication also appeared to cause decreased weight and survival in newborn animals that were exposed to the drug during pregnancy. If you are taking amoxapine and pregnancy occurs, let your healthcare provider know. He or she may still prescribe the drug if the benefits to you and the unborn child outweigh the potential risks.

 

Is Amoxapine Safe During Pregnancy? -- An Overview

For people who are pregnant, amoxapine (Asendin®) may not be safe. This is based on animal studies that looked at the effects of amoxapine during pregnancy.
 

Amoxapine and Pregnancy Risk C

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) uses a pregnancy category system to classify the possible risks to a fetus when a specific medicine is taken during pregnancy. Pregnancy Category C is given to medicines that have not been studied in pregnant humans but do appear to cause harm to the fetus in animal studies. Also, medicines that have not been studied in any pregnant women or animals are automatically given a pregnancy Category C rating.
 
In animal studies, amoxapine did not cause any birth defects. However, the medicine caused increased miscarriages and stillbirths in animals and decreased the weight and survival of the newborn animals.
 
It is important to note that depression in the mother may also be unhealthy for a baby. Therefore, amoxapine may be given to a pregnant woman if the healthcare provider believes that the benefits to the pregnant woman and unborn child outweigh any possible risks.
 

Recommendations for Using Amoxapine During Pregnancy

If you are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant, let your healthcare provider know. Your healthcare provider will consider both the benefits and risks of using amoxapine during pregnancy before making a recommendation for your particular situation.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;