Need a source? Antidepressants and pregnancy

For immediate Release (August 9, 2004 - Toronto) According to Is it Safe for My Baby? Risks and Recommendations for the Use of Medication, Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding, deciding whether or not to continue anti-depressants during pregnancy should be weighed against the effects of untreated depression on the unborn baby, as well as the risk of post-partum depression. If a woman experiences untreated depression during her pregnancy, her own health is at risk, and there is an increased risk of premature delivery and low birth weight for her baby.

Is it Safe for My Baby? is a 33-page resource developed by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) for women who are planning a pregnancy, are pregnant or breastfeeding, and for the people who care and are concerned about them. Health care professionals interested in providing this type of information to their patients/clients will also find it useful.

The relative risk and safety of caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, psychiatric medications, sedatives, illegal drugs, over-the-counter medications and herbal remedies when pregnant or breastfeeding are just a few of the over 200 substances covered in this important resource. It also provides recommendations and alternatives to discuss with health care providers.

Wende Wood, a designated specialist in psychiatric pharmacy and CAMH’s Drug Information and Drug Use Evaluation Pharmacist is available for media interviews.

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health is a Pan American Health Organization and World Health Organization Collaborating Centre and a teaching hospital fully affiliated with the University of Toronto.

-30-

For more information: Sylvia Hagopian, CAMH Media Relations Coordinator, 416-595-6015.

Health Canada Link: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/english/protection/warnings/2004/2004_44.htm

Background information:

Is it Safe for My Baby? Antidepressants and Pregnancy

Antidepressants (e.g., fluoxetine (Prozac R), paroxetine (Paxil R), sertraline (Zoloft R), venlafaxine (Effexor))

Risk During Pregnancy

- Current research suggests that there is no increased risk of birth defects from antidepressants. Some antidepressants may be safer than others, and the risk to the baby from using very new antidepressants may not yet be known. Check with your doctor and Motherrisk, as new information frequently becomes available.

- Deciding whether or not to continue antidepressants during pregnancy should be weighed against the risk of depression on the unborn baby, as well as post-partum depression. If you experience untreated depression during your pregnancy, your own health is at risk, and there is an increased risk of premature delivery and low birth weight for your baby.

- Use of some antidepressants in the third trimester (the last three months of pregnancy) may result in the baby being born with temporary breathing difficulties and/or withdrawal symptoms (e.g., restlessness, sleep problems, feeding problems). But there are many ways to minimize and/or manage the short-term symptoms that may occur. The baby should be watched closely.

Recommendation during pregnancy

- Do NOT suddenly stop prescribed antidepressants without consulting your doctor, as you may experience a return of the depression and/or withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety, trouble sleeping, nausea and headaches.

- If you have less severe depression, you and your doctor may decide to stop your medication as long as you continue counseling or other non-drug therapies. However, you and your doctor could also decide that staying on the antidepressant is the best option, especially if you have had repeated episodes of depression or the depression is severe.

- If you begin to have symptoms of depression for the first time during your pregnancy, contact your doctor or health care provider immediately. This may be the start of what's commonly called post-partum depression. Despite the name, "post-partum" depression can actually begin during pregnancy.

Is it Safe for My Baby? Antidepressants and Breastfeeding

Antidepressants (e.g., fluoxetine (Prozac R), paroxetine (Paxil R), sertraline (Zoloft R), venlafaxine (Effexor))

Risk During Breastfeeding

- While antidepressants pass to the baby through breast milk, most have been shown to be safe. Some antidepressants, however, may increase irritability in the baby.

Recommendation During Breastfeeding

- Ask your doctor about current treatments for anxiety, depression and post-partum depression that are safest for you and the baby.

- It may not be a possibility, but ask your doctor if you can time your dose with breastfeeding times.

- Do NOT stop taking your medications. Staying healthy is especially important during the post-partum period. Keep in mind that about 10 to 16 per cent of new mothers experience post-partum depression.

- Ask your health care provider about supports and services in your community.

Information derived from:
Is it Safe for My Baby? Risks and Recommendations for the Use of Medication, Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Is it Safe for My Baby? is available in English and French for $2.50 if purchased individually or $15.00 for a package of 10 booklets. Copies are available from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health at 1-800-661-1111 (or 416-595-6059 in Toronto), by e-mail at marketing@camh.net or by fax at 416-593-4694. Information on addiction and mental health issues can be obtained by calling CAMH's 24-hour Information Line at 1-800-463-6273 or in Toronto at 416-595-6111.

Need a source? Antidepressants and pregnancy

Related Links