Maternal SSRI use during pregnancy may be associated with altered brain development in children; however, this study cannot fully rule out contributions of confounding genetic and enviromental factors.
Analyzing data from nearly 150,000 children with prenatal antidepressant exposure in two healthcare databases, a recent study finds no association between prenatal exposure to antidepressants and risk for neurodevelopmental disorders.
While questions and controversies remain, the information on long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes in children prenatally exposed to antidepressants is largely reassuring.
Prozac (fluoxetine) was the first SSRI or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. Since its release in 1988, we have been gathering data on the reproductive safety of fluoxetine and other SSRIs. Over the last 32 years, [...]
While we have considerable data on the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) during pregnancy, most of this research focuses on the risk of congenital malformations in exposed children. We have far less [...]
We have long been interested in understanding the effects of prenatal exposure to antidepressants on the development of the fetal brain. The earliest studies addressing this question were small but yielded detailed (and reassuring) information [...]
When we meet with women to discuss the reproductive safety of antidepressant medications, one of the most challenging and anxiety-provoking aspects of the consultation is the discussion we have regarding the long-term effects of prenatal [...]
At this point in time, we have considerable information regarding the reproductive safety of antidepressants, particularly the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs. Most of this information relates to the incidence of congenital malformations or [...]
Antenatal exposure to Wellbutrin (bupropion) does not appear to be associated with an increased risk of malformations in the exposed infant; however, it is not known if exposure to Wellbutrin during pregnancy has any effect on the child’s neurobehavioral development. In a study from Figueroa and colleagues published in 2010, insurance claims data from 38,704 children and their families were analyzed, using information obtained from the beginning of pregnancy until age 5. Outcomes were assessed in mothers taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or Wellbutrin before, during or after the pregnancy. This study sought to determine the risk of ADHD in exposed infants. Children up to the age of 5 were identified as having ADHD if they had an outpatient or inpatient claim with a primary or secondary diagnosis of ADHD or a prescription claim for stimulants.
