Pregnancy & Medications - MGH Center for Women's Mental Health

Sleep Medications: What Information Do We Have on Reproductive Safety?

It is estimated that up to 95% of women experience some type of sleep disturbance during pregnancy. While for many women the insomnia is relatively benign and may respond to simple interventions, other women experience more severe insomnia which has a significant impact on their quality of life and ability to function. Various non-benzodiazepine hypnotic agents, specifically zalepion (Sonata), eszopiclone (Lunesta), and zolpidem (Ambien), are commonly used for the short-term treatment of insomnia; however, information regarding the reproductive safety of these sleep aids has been sparse.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-07-28T14:41:21-04:00August 1st, 2011|Outcomes, Pregnancy & Medications, Sleep Medications|Comments Off

Autism Spectrum Disorders and SSRIs

It is now estimated that autism spectrum disorders (ASD) affect about 1% to 2% of the population. Data derived from twin and sibling studies indicate that ASD is highly heritable. While genetic factors clearly play an important role, other studies point to an interplay between environmental and genetic factors in the etiology of this disorder. Over the years, various environmental exposures have been implicated, including vaccinations, mercury, and insecticides; however, it has been difficult to generate solid evidence linking specific environmental factors with increased risk for autism.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2024-07-24T11:49:06-04:00July 18th, 2011|Autism Spectrum Disorder, Child Outcomes, Pregnancy & Medications|Comments Off

Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors and Fertility (Part 2): What Can Basic Science Tell Us?

Serotonin (5-HT) is one of the neurotransmitters involved in mood regulation and has been implicated in the development of mood and anxiety disorders. Serotonin transporters (SERT) facilitate the transfer of serotonin into neurons; serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants bind to these transporters and appear to exert their effect on mood by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin and thus increasing the levels of this neurotransmitter at the synapse.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-07-28T14:39:53-04:00July 5th, 2011|Antidepressants, Pregnancy & Medications|Comments Off

Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors and Fertility (Part 1): A Clinical Perspective

We previously reported that paroxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), may affect sperm motility and may thus have a negative impact on male fertility. Many women who are planning a pregnancy question whether SSRIs and other antidepressants may affect fertility; this is obviously a particularly important issue for those who are having difficulty conceiving.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-07-28T14:39:33-04:00July 1st, 2011|Antidepressants, Pregnancy & Medications|Comments Off

Clinical Case: Should SSRIs Be Tapered Prior To Delivery?

Ms. T is a 33 year old woman with a history of recurrent depression who is 32 weeks pregnant with her first pregnancy. She has remained on her citalopram (Celexa) throughout pregnancy and has been well. Her gynecologist has encouraged her to enquire about coming off the Celexa prior to delivery in order to avoid symptoms of neonatal distress. What should she do?

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-07-28T14:36:21-04:00June 13th, 2011|Antidepressants, Depressive Disorders, Medication, Pregnancy & Medications, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy, Treatment|Comments Off

In Utero Exposure to Antipsychotics

May 2011, ObGyn News, Lee S. Cohen, MD

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2020-11-26T08:40:43-04:00May 17th, 2011|Antipsychotic Medications, Outcomes, Pregnancy & Medications|Comments Off

Making Individual Decisions Regarding the Use of Antidepressants During Pregnancy

Women face difficult choices when deciding whether or not to continue psychiatric medications during pregnancy. This choice can be especially difficult for women taking newer medications which lack adequate reproductive safety data.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-07-28T14:27:36-04:00March 14th, 2011|Antipsychotic Medications, Neonatal Symptoms, Outcomes, Pregnancy & Medications|Comments Off

New FDA Warning on the Use of Antipsychotic Medications in Pregnancy

On February 22, 2011, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) informed healthcare professionals that drug labels for the entire class of antipsychotic drugs have been updated to include warnings regarding the use of antipsychotic drugs during pregnancy. The new drug labels now contain more details on the potential risk for abnormal muscle movements (extrapyramidal signs or EPS) and withdrawal symptoms in newborns exposed to these drugs during the third trimester of pregnancy.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-07-28T14:26:32-04:00March 9th, 2011|Antipsychotic Medications, Child Outcomes, Pregnancy & Medications|Comments Off

Zolpidem (Ambien) in Pregnancy: Is it Safe?

It is estimated that up to 95% of women experience some type of sleep disturbance during pregnancy. While for many women the insomnia is relatively benign and may respond to simple interventions, other women experience more severe insomnia which has a significant impact on their quality of life and ability to function. While zolpidem (Ambien), a sedative-hypnotic agent used for the short-term treatment of insomnia, is commonly prescribed in pregnant women, the information regarding its reproductive safety has been sparse.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-13T11:45:40-04:00November 22nd, 2010|Pregnancy & Medications, Sleep Disorders|Comments Off

Clinical Update 2010: Use of Stimulant Medications in Pregnancy

Approximately 4% of the adult population suffers from ADHD. Attention and executive functioning difficulties also occur in those with mood and psychotic disorders and require treatment strategies similar to those used to address ADHD symptoms. First line medications most often used to treat ADHD in adults are Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine, Adderall) and Methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin, Metadate).

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2017-12-22T13:05:25-04:00September 27th, 2010|ADHD Medications, Outcomes, Pregnancy & Medications|Comments Off