2002 - MGH Center for Women's Mental Health

Bupropion and Breastfeeding

Data have accumulated over the last few years on the use of antidepressants in nursing mothers. It appears that all antidepressants are secreted into the breast milk; however, the amount of medication to which the nursing child is exposed appears to be relatively small. We have the most information is available for fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), paroxetine (Paxil), and the tricyclic antidepressants. In general, one should try to choose an antidepressant for which there are data to support its safety during breastfeeding. However, there are often situations where one may choose another antidepressant that has not been as well characterized. For instance, if a woman has not responded well to any of the above medications.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-07-21T10:41:36-04:00November 6th, 2002|Breastfeeding and Psychiatric Medications|2 Comments

Anticonvulsants During Pregnancy in Women with Bipolar Disorder

Unfortunately the mood stabilizers most commonly used to treat bipolar disorder (including lithium and valproic acid) can increase the risk of certain types of congenital malformations in children exposed to these medications during the first trimester of pregnancy. For women who need a mood stabilizer during pregnancy, lithium is the safest option; however, when used during the first trimester, it carries a 0.1% risk of a cardiac malformation called Ebstein's anomaly. Although this is a potentially serious complication, it is important to keep in mind that the risk of malformation is relatively small.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-07-21T10:11:37-04:00October 6th, 2002|Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|0 Comments

Reevaluating the Pros and Cons of Hormone Replacement Therapy

Each year, more than 1.3 million American women become menopausal in the U.S. The menopausal transition is marked by intense hormonal variability, and frequently accompanied by vasomotor symptoms (e.g., hot flashes, night sweats), sleep disturbance, and altered libido. In addition, as women become estrogen-deprived, they may also experience an increased risk for osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, cognitive dysfunction, and depressive symptoms.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-07-20T11:48:35-04:00September 18th, 2002|Menopausal Symptoms|7 Comments

Breastfeeding Boosts Intelligence

Over the years, various studies have demonstrated the many advantages of breastfeeding, findings that have led the American Academy of Pediatrics to recommend that all mothers breastfeed their children for the first year of the child's life. Several studies have also examined the relationship between breastfeeding and intellectual development in younger children and have demonstrated better cognitive functioning in children who were breastfed. The extent to which breastfeeding during infancy has an effect on later intellectual development has been more difficult to assess.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-07-20T11:05:48-04:00July 18th, 2002|Breastfeeding and Psychiatric Medications|0 Comments

Light Therapy for Depression During Pregnancy

Depression during pregnancy (antenatal depression) is relatively common, affecting about 10% of women. While there is a growing body of literature supporting the reproductive safety of certain antidepressants, our understanding of how these psychotropic medications affect the developing fetus remains incomplete. For this reason, antidepressants are typically avoided during pregnancy; thus, there is a clear need for effective non-pharmacologic treatments for women at high risk for antenatal depression.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-07-20T11:00:36-04:00June 23rd, 2002|Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|1 Comment

Agnus Castus Fruit Extract as a Treatment for Premenstrual Syndrome

During the period before menstruation, many women report experiencing psychological and physical symptoms collectively referred to as premenstrual syndrome (PMS). The fruits, leaves and flowers of Vitex agnus castus (the Chaste Tree) have traditionally been used to relieve these symptoms. While the mode of action is not clear, the effects of the plant seem to mimic those of the corpus luteum, stimulating the production of lutenizing hormone, thereby increasing progesterone production. Schellenberg and colleagues recently studied the effects of agnus castus fruit in women with premenstrual syndrome.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-07-20T11:28:59-04:00May 20th, 2002|PMS and PMDD|0 Comments

Depression and Preterm Labor

Although most people tend to think of pregnancy as a time of emotional well-being, depression is relatively common, affecting about 1 in 10 women. While there are obvious concerns related to the use of antidepressants during pregnancy and the effects of these medications on the developing fetus, less attention has focused on the impact of depression itself on the pregnancy. A recent study suggests that women with depression may be at greater risk for preterm labor.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-07-20T10:48:28-04:00April 30th, 2002|Postpartum Psychiatric Disorders|0 Comments

Venlafaxine for Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression (PPD) is relatively common, occurring in about 10 to 15% of women after delivery. Several reports have documented the efficacy of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) sertraline, fluoxetine, and fluvoxamine for the treatment of this disorder. In a recent report, Cohen and colleagues have demonstrated the efficacy of venlafaxine for the treatment of PPD.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2016-03-28T13:24:00-04:00February 20th, 2002|New Research, Postpartum Psychiatric Disorders|2 Comments

Lithium Discontinuation While Attempting to Conceive

For women with bipolar disorder who are planning a pregnancy, it is common practice to discontinue mood stabilizers prior to attempts to conceive, since the mood stabilizers most commonly used to treat bipolar disorder (lithium, valproic acid, and carbamazepine) all carry some risk of birth defect. The problem with this approach is that, after discontinuation of maintenance treatment, a woman is at very high risk for relapse. The longer it takes to get pregnant and the longer she remains off medication, the greater is her risk for having recurrent illness.

By Ruta Nonacs, MD PhD|2024-04-14T16:20:24-04:00February 6th, 2002|Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|1 Comment

Breastfeeding and Antidepressants

When discussing the use of antidepressant medications by breastfeeding women, It is somewhat misleading to say that certain medications are “safer” than others. All medications taken by the mother are secreted into the breast milk. The amount of drug to which the infant is exposed depends on many factors, including the medication dosage, as well as the infant’s age and feeding schedule. To date, we have not found that certain medications are found at lower levels in the breast milk and may therefore pose less of a risk to the nursing infant. Nor have we found that any antidepressant medication has been associated with serious adverse events in the baby.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-07-20T10:19:39-04:00January 6th, 2002|Breastfeeding and Psychiatric Medications|1 Comment

Yearly Archives: 2002