Smoking During Pregnancy Not Associated with Severe Mental Illness in Offspring, But Other Risks Exist
Over the years, we have seen a number of research studies which suggested a link between maternal smoking during pregnancy and adverse psychiatric outcomes in offspring, including increased risk for bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Â In a recent article published in JAMA Psychiatry, researchers reported on the results of a population-based cohort study of 1.7 million Swedish offspring in order to determine if maternal smoking during pregnancy was associated [...]
In Brief: Beta Blockers and Pregnancy, No Observed Increase in Risk of Malformations
Beta blockers are the most commonly used class of medication for treating cardiac conditions in pregnant women. Â They are also effective for the treatment of anxiety symptoms, most commonly performance anxiety. According to a report published online in JAMA Internal Medicine, maternal use of beta-blockers during pregnancy (n=4847) was associated with increased risk for fetal cardiac anomalies; however this finding was observed only in the raw data which was unadjusted for [...]
More Data on Pregabalin (Lyrica) and Pregnancy
Pregabalin (marketed in the US as Lyrica) is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of epilepsy, fibromyalgia, and neuropathic pain. Â It is also used off-label to treat psychiatric disorders, most commonly generalized anxiety disorder. Â While it is not used as frequently as other anti-epileptic drugs, we do occasionally see women taking pregabalin who are pregnant or planning to conceive. Â Last year we reported on a [...]
Weekly Roundup for APRIL 28, 2017: Recent Publications in Women’s Mental Health
The two lead articles take a look at the use of two anticonvulsants during pregnancy, lamotrigine (Lamictal) and pregabalin (Lyrica); the data are reassuring with regard to the reproductive safety of these medications. Pariente G, Leibson T, Shulman T, Adams-Webber T, Barzilay E, Nulman I. Â Pregnancy Outcomes Following In Utero Exposure to Lamotrigine: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Â CNS Drugs. 2017 Apr 22. Meta-analysis shows no increase in risk for major [...]
Weekly Roundup for APRIL 21, 2017: Recent Publications in Women’s Mental Health
 At the top of the list are three articles (and one commentary) looking at the risk of autism in children exposed to SSRIs. We will soon cover these reports in greater detail; however, the short story is that these studies do not support an association between exposure to SSRIs during pregnancy and increased risk of autism.  Risk for Autism Spectrum Disorders According to Period of Prenatal Antidepressant Exposure: A [...]
Neurokinin-3 Receptor Antagonists: A Novel Approach to the Treatment of Menopausal Symptoms
Over the last few years, we have seen a number of articles suggesting that the burden of menopausal symptoms is probably greater than generally perceived.  About 80% of women experience vasomotor symptoms (VMS) – hot flashes and night sweats — as they transition into the menopause.  For most, the symptoms are manageable, but for a sizeable subset of midlife women, these symptoms can negatively affect sleep, mood, and quality of life. [...]