Antidepressants during Pregnancy

Depression is becoming a very major public health problem in developed countries and is already one is developing countries. As the world becomes advanced the risk factors for Depression also seems to be increasing and it is becoming difficult for may to keep pace with advances. Recent studies done by American College of Obstetrics and Gynaecologists have published a very useful datas for all depression patients who are pregnant.

According to studies Woman who are pregnant should not take SSRI ( Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors). And all pregnant mother who are on Paroxetine should discontinue if they are on it. Other members of this SSRI group like Prozac, Zoloft and Lexapro all can damage developing baby according to ACOG.

According to ACOG in first trimester if these drugs taken, they can cause congenital heart diseases, hypertension, irritability. But at the same time it is also evident that discontinuation of treatment can give relapse of depression and risk may be much higher as this can lead to drug abuse and some time suicide.

So choice of weather to continue SSRI or not should be taken after weighing the risk to fetus against risk of relapse.