Cognitive impairments from developmental exposure to serotonergic drugs: citalopram and MDMA
The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology January 11, 2013 Tori L. Schaefer, Curtis E. Grace, A Braun et al. 24 citations
In rats, treatment with the recreational drug MDMA during a developmental period equivalent to the human third trimester causes long-term spatial and egocentric learning and memory deficits, along with serotonin reductions. Pretreatment with the antidepressant citalopram, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, did not prevent these cognitive deficits. Unexpectedly, citalopram alone produced learning deficits as severe as those caused by MDMA. These are the first findings showing cognitive impairments from developmental exposure to a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, suggesting the need for further research on the long-term safety of antidepressants during pregnancy.