Citation

Wen SW, Walker M. J. Obstet. Gynaecol. Can. 2004; 26(9): 819-822.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2004, Healthcare & Financial Pub., Rogers Media)

DOI

10.1016/S1701-2163(16)30155-4

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To provide an update of literature on the safety of using selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) during pregnancy.

METHODS: MEDLINE was searched for English-language papers published from 1985 to 2003 on human studies of SSRIs, using the key words "serotonin reuptake inhibitors," "citalopram," "fluoxetine," "fluvoxamine," "paroxetine," and "sertraline".

RESULTS: The literature search yielded 12 338 publications. Previous studies on the safety of SSRIs in pregnancy were often based on small samples from medical centres, with het¬erogeneous design and outcome ascertainment methods, and had yielded inconsistent results. Consequently, the manage¬ment of pregnant women with depression poses challenges to clinicians who are hesitant to prescribe anti-depression drugs, including SSRIs, because of concern about potential risks to the fetuses. Failure to adequately treat maternal depression can lead to progressively worsening depression that greatly compromises maternal-fetal health and can impair bonding and childcare in the postpartum period.

CONCLUSIONS: Because of the uncertainty regarding the safety of SSRI use during pregnancy, consultation with specialists expe¬rienced in treating depression may be helpful when treating pregnant women with SSRIs. Large-scale, population-based studies to comprehensively assess the safety of SSRIs in preg¬nancy are needed. © 2004.

Language: en

Keywords

Humans; Female; adult; human; Depression; suicide; systematic review; female; Pregnancy; Antidepressive agents; depression; prevalence; Prescriptions; risk factor; pregnancy; review; controlled study; clinical article; citalopram; fluoxetine; fluvoxamine; paroxetine; serotonin uptake inhibitor; sertraline; publication; drug safety; puerperal depression; recurrence risk; Drug; low birth weight; maternal age; pregnancy complication; Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors; Serotonin reuptake inhibitors; third trimester pregnancy; motor dysfunction; congenital malformation; adaptation syndrome; Apgar score; Article; Fetal growth retardation; Fetus; intrauterine growth retardation; motor development; Pregnancy Complications; pregnancy outcome; pregnant woman; premature labor; puerperium