Risk of ADHD in Kids with Prenatal Exposure to Benzodiazepines or Z-Hypnotics
Prenatal exposure to benzodiazepines and Z-hypnotics was not associated with increased risk of ADHD in exposed children.
Taking a Closer Look at Motor Development in Children with Prenatal Exposure to Antidepressants
While we have data to support the use of antidepressants, including the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and the serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), during pregnancy, most studies have focused on risk of congenital [...]
Exposure to Antidepressants During Pregnancy: Less Impact on Long Term Outcomes Than Previously Reported
Rommel and colleagues present a systematic review examining the long-term effects of prenatal exposure to antidepressants on physical, neurodevelopmental, and psychiatric outcomes in children 4 years of age or older.Â
Maternal Bipolar Disorder Not a Predictor of Infant Developmental Deficits at One Year of Age
 While some women with bipolar disorder elect to discontinue their psychotropic medications during pregnancy to mitigate fetal exposure, Viguera and colleagues (2000, 2007) found that women stabilized on lithium face a significant risk for [...]
Minimal Effects of Prenatal SSRIs on Motor Development in Exposed Children
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 [...]
Antidepressant Effects on Motor Development Minimal, According to New Study
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 [...]
Cognitive Development in Children Exposed to Levetiracetam (Keppra)
An increasing number of reproductive age women now take newer anticonvulsants for the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders; however, information regarding the reproductive safety of these medications is limited. A recent study has evaluated the cognitive and language development of children born to women with epilepsy exposed in utero to levetiracetam (LEV, Keppra) or sodium valproate (VPA, Depakote), as compared to control children born to women without epilepsy not taking medication during pregnancy.
Prenatal Exposure to Antiepileptic Drugs Associated with Worse Developmental Outcomes
We have previously written about studies which indicate that prenatal exposure to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), particularly valproic acid, may adversely affect the developing fetus. Numerous studies have documented long-term effects of antiepileptic exposure on cognitive functioning: prenatal exposure to AEDs has been associated with lower IQs, as well as lower scores on tests of executive functioning, memory, verbal and nonverbal abilities, in children at 6 yeas of age (Meador KJ et al, 2012). These deficits were the most prominent in children exposed to valproic acid.
Prenatal Antipsychotic Exposure and Neuromotor Performance
While a handful of studies have assessed the risk for congenital malformations in infants exposed to antipsychotic agents, there is even less information regarding neonatal outcome in this population. In 1992, it was first reported that infants exposed to first-generation antipsychotic medications exhibited increased muscle tone, tremulousness, and poor motor functioning when assessed within a few days of delivery.