Essential Reads: Lamotrigine (Lamictal) and Breastfeeding (2021)
Lamotrigine is detected in the breast milk and in the serum of the nursing infant; however, the risk of adverse events is very low.
Sage Therapeutics and Biogen Announce Plans to Submit a New Drug Application for Zuranolone to the FDA in 2022
The FDA will review zuranolone for the treatment of depression in the first half of 2022.
For Women with Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Can Nurses and Midwives Fill the Gaps in Mental Health Care?
Psychological interventions provided by nurses and midwives can significantly reduce the severity of perinatal depressive symptoms.
Essential Reads: Oxcarbazepine (Trileptal) and Pregnancy
Given limited data on the reproductive safety of oxcarbazepine, we would recommend using alternate medications during pregnancy, when possible.Â
NPR’s 1A Live Discusses Perinatal Depression and the New Medication Zuranolone
NPR’s 1A Live hosts an episode focusing on perinatal depression, including information on the new medication zuranolone for the treatment of postpartum depression.Â
Essential Reads: Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Children with Prenatal Exposure to Antiepileptic Drugs
There is a growing body of literature to indicate that exposure to certain antiepileptic drugs, most notably valproic acid (VPA, Depakote) during critical periods of development may be associated with long-lasting neurodevelopmental deficits.
Prevalence of ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorders in Children with Prenatal Exposure to Antipsychotic Medications
The findings of this study do not suggest that prenatal antipsychotics exposure is associated with increased risk for ADHD, ASD, small for gestational age, or preterm birth.
Essential Reads: Zuranolone for Postpartum Depression
Zuranolone has antidepressant effects in women with severe PPD, observed as early as 3 days after initiation of treatment. Â
Depression During Pregnancy Affect Infant’s Brain Anatomy, But No Change with Prenatal Exposure to SSRIs
Infants exposed to maternal depression during pregnancy had significantly larger subcortical grey matter volumes and smaller midbrain volumes.
Essential Reads: Measuring the Impact of Antenatal Depression on the Fetal Brain Using Neuroimaging
Neuroimaging studies indicate that exposure to antenatal depression may determine risk for later neuropsychiatric illness in the child.