title: The safety of antidepressant use in pregnancy.
abstract: Depression during pregnancy affects an estimated 10 - 20% of women, some of whom will require treatment with antidepressants. It is of great importance that the safety of this particular class of drugs is reviewed, to ensure the optimal treatment of the mother while protecting her unborn child. In this review, current safety data on all available antidepressants are discussed in detail, including the pharmacokinetics of the maternal-fetal unit and the epidemiological studies that have been published to date. The classes of antidepressants discussed include: tricyclics, selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors and other antidepressants. After reviewing these studies, it is evident that these drugs appear to be relatively safe to take during pregnancy. This evidence-based information will be helpful to women and their healthcare providers, when the decision of whether or not to treat with anti-depressants during pregnancy must be made.
authors.affiliation: The Hospital for Sick Children, The Motherisk Program, Division of Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X8, Canada.
authors.forename: Sanjog
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kalra
authors.forename: Leslie
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Born
authors.forename: Moumita
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sarkar
authors.forename: Adrienne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Einarson
mesh_terms: D000028:Abortion, Induced; D000818:Animals; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / Q000009:adverse effects; D002657:Child Development / Q000187:drug effects; D003863:Depression / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020902:Hypericum / Q000009:adverse effects; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007232:Infant, Newborn, Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D008431:Maternal-Fetal Exchange; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011297:Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects; D013723:Teratogens
chemical_list: D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors; D013723:Teratogens