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A new study, published in the January 12 issue of the British Medical Journal, adds more evidence that antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, when used during pregnancy, can increase the chances that the newborn will have a life-threatening lung defect known as persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN).
One in five adults in the United States suffered from mental illness last year, and women were far more likely than men to have been diagnosed with mental, behavioral or emotional disorders, according to a newly released government study.
Scientists are currently debating whether there is a link between a class of antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) and the risk of suicidal ideation and behavior, a problem identified shortly after the highly prescribed drugs hit the market.
More babies are born with birth defects in England and Wales than previously thought, according to a recent study from Queen Mary, University of London. At least 14,500 babies were born in 2009 with defects such as congenital heart disease, spina bifida and gastroschisis. That represents more than 2 percent of births, up from previous estimates of 1.3 percent. The data comes from five regional birth defect registries as well as two additional registries specific to particular conditions.
New studies suggest use of antidepressants during pregnancy may contribute to an increased risk of heart defects in newborns, but the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says it is too soon to issue any specific warnings about that risk.
Physicians in Australia are asking drug regulators to change the country’s system of medication warnings for pregnant women, arguing that the current system is confusing and scares women into not taking necessary medications during pregnancy.
More evidence supports the theory that exposure to a class of antidepressants during the first trimester of pregnancy increases the risk for major congenital anomalies, particularly cardiac defects. A Finnish study conducted by the Teratology Information Service at the Helsinki University Central Hospital confirms the results of other research showing increased risks for specific birth defects in fetuses exposed to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, during gestation.
When pharmaceutical companies receive reports that suggest a medication may cause birth defects, they should immediately inform the public. However, too often companies are swayed by rising profits and the fear of bad press and may withhold or cover up this information to protect themselves. It is the public that stands to suffer.
Weighing the risks and benefits of using antidepressants during pregnancy is a tough decision. For Taylor Harris, a freelance writer, she knew since she started on Paxil as a young college graduate that she would have to wean off the drug before getting pregnant. Her doctor said simply, “You won’t be able to take Paxil during your pregnancy. But don’t worry. I’m sure they’ll have something else by then.”
Pregnant women carry a huge responsibility. Everything thing they do or ingest could potentially affect their unborn child. But when the mother is experiencing health problems that can be treated by medication, she has only to go by the advice of her doctor and the information provided by the drug company that makes the medication.
