antidepressant - MGH Center for Women's Mental Health

Does Estrogen Affect Antidepressant Efficacy? Data from the STAR*D Study

We previously reported on studies suggesting estrogen may be helpful for the treatment of depression in peri- and post-menopausal women, either alone or in combination with an antidepressant. In addition, other studies have suggested that older, postmenopausal women may respond more poorly to antidepressants than premenopausal women. Two recent studies attempt to better understand the impact of reproductive hormones on clinical presentation and treatment response of depression in women.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-06T09:27:57-04:00July 10th, 2013|Menopausal Symptoms|0 Comments

SSRIs and Benzodiazepines: Reproductive Safety of Combined Treatment

Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are frequently combined with benzodiazepines for the management of anxiety disorders or major depression with comorbid anxiety. While we have data regarding the reproductive safety of both the SSRIs and benzodiazepines, we have much less information on outcomes in women taking SSRIs and benzodiazepines together. A previous study (Oberlander 2008) found that neither the use of an SSRI alone nor the use of a benzodiazepine alone increased the risk for congenital malformation; however, in this study, the combined use of the two drugs increased the risk of cardiovascular defect. A recent study reassesses the risk of major malformation in women taking SSRIs combined with benzodiazepines.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-06T09:31:18-04:00June 12th, 2013|Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|0 Comments

Prenatal Exposure to Antidepressants and Risk of Autism

It is estimated that autism spectrum disorders (ASD) affect about 1% to 2% of children. Research carried out in twins and families indicate that ASD is highly heritable; however, it is generally believed that while genetic factors play an important role, there is an interplay between genetic and environmental factors in the etiology of this disorder. Various environmental exposures have been implicated, including vaccinations, mercury, air pollution, insecticides, and infection.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-06T09:41:13-04:00May 29th, 2013|Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|0 Comments

SSRI Exposure During Pregnancy Does Not Appear to Affect Infant Growth

Some studies have shown an association between in utero exposure to antidepressants and various pregnancy outcomes, including preterm delivery, low birth weight, and lower Apgar scores; however, these outcomes have also been observed in infants born to depressed mothers who are not taking medication. Thus, it has been difficult to determine if there is a causal relationship between antidepressant exposure and these negative pregnancy outcomes or if untreated maternal depression is itself responsible for these negative outcomes.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-06T11:14:10-04:00April 18th, 2013|Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|0 Comments

L-Methylfolate for the Treatment of Depression: Can We Use it During Pregnancy?

Last summer, we posted a blog about using folate to treat (and perhaps prevent) depression in women of childbearing age. Supporting that recommendation are the several reports indicating that people with lower folate levels are at higher risk of major depression or may experience more severe depressive symptoms. Other studies have indicated that in folate-deficient patients, antidepressants may be less effective or may take longer to take effect.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2018-06-15T10:45:27-04:00March 25th, 2013|Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|1 Comment

Antidepressants and Pregnancy: A Meta-Analysis Puts the Risks into a Larger Context

While some studies have shown an association between in utero exposure to antidepressants and various pregnancy outcomes, including preterm delivery, low birth weight, and lower Apgar scores, these outcomes have also been linked to untreated maternal depression. Thus, it has been difficult to determine if there is a causal relationship between antidepressant exposure and negative pregnancy outcomes or whether maternal depression is itself responsible for these negative outcomes.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-06T13:22:16-04:00March 1st, 2013|Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|0 Comments

Dr. Lee Cohen in Ob-Gyn News: Using SSRIs in Pregnancy

Over the last decade, attention in the medical literature has gathered logarithmically to focus on potentially efficacious treatments for perinatal depression. Studies of relevant databases, editorials, and various reviews have addressed the reproductive safety concerns of antidepressant treatments, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) on one hand, and the impact of untreated maternal psychiatric illness on fetal and maternal well-being on the other.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2024-03-31T10:40:13-04:00December 13th, 2012|Infertility and Mental Health, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|3 Comments

SSRIs and Pregnancy: Putting the Risks and Benefits into Perspective

Prozac hit the market in 1988, the first selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant approved by the FDA for the treatment of depression. Because it was safer and more tolerable than the antidepressants that preceded it, Prozac was soon the most commonly prescribed antidepressant in the United States.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-06T13:57:24-04:00December 6th, 2012|Infertility and Mental Health, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|6 Comments

SSRIs and Cardiovascular Malformations: Another Look

Over the last few years, we have reported on several studies which have suggested an increased risk of certain types of cardiovascular malformations among children exposed to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) during pregnancy. The first reports suggested a link between cardiac septal defects and exposure to paroxetine; subsequent studies have also shown elevated risks with the other SSRIIs.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-10T14:03:04-04:00November 20th, 2012|Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|2 Comments

Exposure to Maternal Depression – Not Antidepressants – Predicts Worse Outcomes in Children

While data accumulated over the last 30 years suggest that certain antidepressants may be used with relative safety during pregnancy, our knowledge regarding the risks of prenatal exposure to psychotropic medications is incomplete. Because neuronal migration and differentiation occur throughout pregnancy and into the early years of life, development of the central nervous system (CNS) remains particularly vulnerable throughout pregnancy.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-10T14:09:05-04:00November 7th, 2012|Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|2 Comments