Risks of Using Antidepressants During Pregnancy

As much as 3.7 percent of all pregnant women use antidepressant medication at some point during their pregnancies, according to Psych Central. While the discontinuation of antidepressants during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of relapse of depressive disorders, there are some risks of using antidepressants during pregnancy, too. When deciding whether or not to use antidepressants during pregnancy, you should consider both the risks and the potential benefits. The severity of your depression should be taken into account here.

If you take antidepressants, you should talk to your doctor before becoming pregnant. If you do not want to get pregnant while taking antidepressants, talk to your doctor about the most effective method of contraception for you and use your chosen method consistently.

If you do become pregnant while taking antidepressants, talk to your doctor as soon as possible. Make sure you check with your doctor before stopping your medication. Serious withdrawal symptoms can occur if antidepressant drugs are discontinued too quickly.

Risks of Antidepressants During Pregnancy

Few studies have been conducted regarding the use of antidepressants during pregnancy so it's hard to say for certain whether it's safe to use specific drugs or not. However, studies have shown that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), especially Paxil and Effexor, are associated with an increased risk of miscarriage. According to the Mayo Clinic, Paxil may also cause heart defects in newborns.

The Mayo Clinic reports that some antidepressant drugs, including Celexa, Prozac and Zoloft, have been found to increase the risk of certain lung problems in newborns. Zoloft has also been associated with heart defects in newborns. Amitriptyline and Pamelor may cause limb deformities in newborns. Nardil and Parnate can cause severe hypertension sometimes that leads to stroke in pregnant women. There are no known risks associated with the use of Wellbutrin during pregnancy at this time, but further studies may be needed to ascertain if this drug is really safe for pregnant women.

Risks may increase if you use antidepressants in the third trimester of pregnancy or if you take more than one antidepressant medication at the same time.

Alternatives to Antidepressants During Pregnancy

Alternatives to antidepressants during pregnancy include electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and vagus nerve stimulation (VNS).

ECT, formerly known as Electric Shock Therapy, is not as barbaric as many people imagine. A small electrical current is briefly passed through the patient's brain while the patient is sedated. Usually doctors recommend several treatments over a period of a few weeks.

VNS involves the surgical implantation of a small device similar to a pacemaker beneath the patient's skin. As its name suggests, the device stimulates the vagus nerve.

These treatments do carry some risks but are generally considered safer than the use of antidepressants during pregnancy.

Of course, psychotherapy used without medications provides adequate relief for some patients with mild to moderate depression. Self-care techniques such as a healthful diet, regular exercise and relaxation exercises are often useful, as well.

Sources:

Psych Central. http://psychcentral.com/news/2010/06/01/miscarriage-risk-with-use-of-antidepressants-during-pregnancy/14203.html . Miscarriage Risk with Antidepressant Use During Pregnancy.

Mayo Clinic. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/antidepressants/DN00007 . Antidepressants: Safe During Pregnancy?