Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1996
Abstract
"The lifetime prevalence of major depressive disorder in women is 10 to 25%, with an average age of onset in the mid-20s.1 Over the nine years that the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRis) have been available, for many prescribers, they have become first-line agents in the treatment of depression. In addition, sorne of them are also being used in the treatment of obsessive- compulsive disorder and panic disorder. In light of these facts, itis not unlikely that women of childbearing age would be treated with one of the SSRis. In considering the risks of exposing a fetus to an SSRI, both structural malformation (i.e., teratogenesis) and long-term behavioral effects (i.e., behavioral teratogenesis) must be considered; in addition, possible si de effects and withdrawal syndromes in the newborn must be assessed. It is impossible to be certain that any drug is absolutely safe for use in pregnancy; hence, only an estimate of relative risk can be attempted."
Recommended Citation
Wincor MZ, Gutierrez MA, Nguyen A. What is the risk of teratogenicity with the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors during pregnancy? Calif Pharmacist. 1996;44:24-26.
Copyright
California Pharmacists Association
Included in
Biological Factors Commons, Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry Commons, Mental Disorders Commons, Other Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Commons, Other Psychiatry and Psychology Commons, Pharmaceutical Preparations Commons, Pharmaceutics and Drug Design Commons, Psychological Phenomena and Processes Commons, Women's Health Commons
Comments
This article was originally published in California Pharmacist, volume 44, in 1996.