Norpramin While Pregnant: What You Need to Know

Is it okay to take Norpramin while pregnant?

When a woman is pregnant, it is very important that she monitors everything she puts into her body. Certain substances, as well as everyday items like foods and beverages, can all affect the fetus developing in the womb. This is because these substances can cross into the placenta, the fetus’ main source of food and oxygen. The fetus’ developing organs are also very sensitive during pregnancy. Because the fetus is so sensitive during this time, it is recommended that pregnant women avoid using drugs as much as possible. This includes abstaining from using over-the-counter drugs, prescription medications, and illegal substances. However, some women may be approved to use certain medications during pregnancy if the benefits of the medication outweigh the potential risks to the fetus.

Norpramin is a prescription medication used to treat depression. It belongs to a class of medications known as tricyclic antidepressants. It is an effective depression medication because it can improve your mood, sleep, appetite, and energy levels. Side effects of Norpramin may include headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, nervousness, trouble sleeping, blurred vision, ringing in the ears, increased appetite, weight gain, constipation, diarrhea, dry mouth, tingly feelings, weakness, lack of coordination, breast swelling, and decreased sex drive. Be sure to tell your doctor right away if you notice the following serious side effects from Norpramin use: confusion, depression, hallucinations, memory problems, unusual breast milk production, irregular/painful menstrual periods, muscle stiffness, shakiness, numbness of the hands or feet, pain and swelling of the arms or legs, and trouble urinating. All of these side effects should go away with time.

If you are pregnant or are considering becoming pregnant and have questions about Norpramin safety during pregnancy, schedule a meeting with your doctor to discuss all of your options. In most situations, it is recommended that pregnant women avoid using Norpramin because there is not enough research on the medication to deem it completely safe for use during pregnancy. However, some women may be approved to use Norpramin during pregnancy if it is necessary. An example would be a woman who suffers from severe depression. If she does not have the motivation or will to take care of herself, the fetus will suffer as well as her. Instead of making the mother and fetus suffer through depression, Norpramin should be used to alleviate these depressive symptoms.

Will taking Norpramin cause birth defects?

The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has not classified Norpramin under a pregnancy risk category. This is because, currently, there is not enough research to indicate whether using Norpramin during pregnancy will cause birth defects or other abnormalities. There is inconclusive evidence of this in animal studies as well. Because of this lack of data, you should consult with your doctor directly to determine whether using Norpramin during pregnancy is right for you.

Other studies on animals that assessed the safety of other tricyclic antidepressants found some abnormalities in babies who were exposed to the medications while in the womb. These include embryotoxic effects, intrauterine defects, stillbirths, and underweight births. However, more well-controlled research need to be conducted in human studies before these findings can be confirmed.

If you plan to breastfeed while using Norpramin, talk to your doctor about the effects of the medication passing into breast milk. Because many substances can pass into breast milk, you may be exposing your baby to dangerous drugs.

If you are currently using Norpramin and become pregnant, notify your doctor of your pregnancy as soon as possible. You should also set up a meeting with your doctor to discuss whether continuing Norpramin during your pregnancy is right for you. Generally, Norpramin use is not medical means to terminate a pregnancy. Even if you no longer want to use the medication, you should never adjust your Norpramin treatment schedule or dosage levels without first speaking with your doctor. If you suddenly stop using Norpramin, it is likely you will experience withdrawal symptoms. Norpramin withdrawal symptoms include nausea, headache, and weakness. Talk to your doctor about tapering off Norpramin if you do not want to use it during pregnancy. This strategy includes gradually lowering the Norpramin dose over time to give your body ample time to adjust to less and less of the medication.

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