title: Abrupt discontinuation of psychotropic drugs following confirmation of pregnancy: a risky practice.
abstract: A number of pregnant women suffer from psychiatric disorders that require treatment with psychotropic drugs. A literature review suggests that these medications are relatively safe to use during pregnancy. Abrupt discontinuation of these drugs can have both physiological and psychological ramifications, which include unpleasant physical symptoms and re-emergence of the psychiatric condition. Therefore, it is not good practice to discontinue these medications abruptly upon diagnosis of pregnancy.
authors.affiliation: Motherisk Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON.
authors.forename: Adrienne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Einarson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003376:Counseling; D019052:Depression, Postpartum / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy; D017374:Paroxetine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012307:Risk Factors; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013723:Teratogens
chemical_list: D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs; D013723:Teratogens; D017374:Paroxetine