Discontinuing antidepressants and benzodiazepines upon becoming pregnant. Beware of the risks of abrupt discontinuation.
OBJECTIVE
Two of my patients are planning to become pregnant. One is taking paroxetine and the other lorazepam. We have discussed what to do when they become pregnant and have decided they should stop taking these drugs as soon as pregnancy is confirmed. Is this the right decision?


CONCLUSIONS
The decision to discontinue these drugs during pregnancy should be based on scientific evidence rather than "hearsay" that women should not take psychotropic medications during pregnancy. Recent epidemiologic studies have documented the relative safety of these drugs, so women should not feel compelled to stop taking them when they become pregnant. If, after receiving appropriate evidence-based information, a woman decides to stop taking the drugs, they should be gradually tapered off to avoid abrupt discontinuation syndrome.
Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto.
A
A
Einarson
P
P
Selby
G
G
Koren
D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent; D008140:Lorazepam / Q000009:adverse effects; D017374:Paroxetine / Q000009:adverse effects; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D016742:Preconception Care / Q000379:methods; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000187:drug effects*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012449:Safety; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*
D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D017374:Paroxetine; D008140:Lorazepam