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Published in:

01-06-2009 | Review Article

Safety of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors in Pregnancy

Authors: Sura Alwan, Jan M. Friedman

Published in: CNS Drugs | Issue 6/2009

Abstract

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are among the most commonly used medications, with a prescription frequency of 2.3% in pregnant women. Although most babies born to women who take SSRIs during pregnancy are normal, there is accumulating evidence that maternal SSRI treatment during pregnancy may cause adverse reproductive outcomes. Maternal SSRI treatment during the first trimester has been implicated in increased risks of birth defects, specifically cardiac abnormalities, in the infant, whereas third-trimester treatment has been linked to various neonatal complications, including symptoms of neonatal withdrawal and toxicity, prematurity, low birth weight and persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn. Although data on neurobehavioural and long-term cognitive problems among children of women who were treated with SSRIs during pregnancy remain limited, the possibility of such functional abnormalities is an additional concern.

On the other hand, untreated maternal depression also carries serious risks for both the mother and the baby, and SSRIs are one of the best available treatments. Thus, pregnant women who require treatment for depression and their physicians often face a difficult choice regarding the use of SSRIs.

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Title: Safety of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors in Pregnancy
Authors: Sura Alwan
Jan M. Friedman
Publication date: 01-06-2009
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Published in: CNS Drugs / Issue 6/2009
Print ISSN: 1172-7047
Electronic ISSN: 1179-1934
DOI: https://doi.org/10.2165/00023210-200923060-00004

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Safety of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors in Pregnancy

Abstract

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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