Trusted Information for Healthy Pregnancies
Antidepressants
Autism Spectrum Disorders and SSRIs
Jul 18th
It is now estimated that autism spectrum disorders (ASD) affect about 1% to 2% of the population. Data derived from twin and sibling studies indicate that ASD is highly heritable. While genetic factors clearly play an important role, other studies point to an interplay between environmental and genetic factors in the etiology of this disorder. [...]
Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors and Fertility (Part 2): What Can Basic Science Tell Us?
Jul 5th
Serotonin (5-HT) is one of the neurotransmitters involved in mood regulation and has been implicated in the development of mood and anxiety disorders. Serotonin transporters (SERT) facilitate the transfer of serotonin into neurons; serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants bind to these transporters and appear to exert their effect on mood by inhibiting the reuptake of [...]
Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors and Fertility (Part 1): A Clinical Perspective
Jul 1st
We previously reported that paroxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), may affect sperm motility and may thus have a negative impact on male fertility. Many women who are planning a pregnancy question whether SSRIs and other antidepressants may affect fertility; this is obviously a particularly important issue for those who are having difficulty conceiving. [...]
Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors and Fertility (Part 1): A Clinical Perspective
Jun 30th
We previously reported that paroxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), may affect sperm motility and may thus have a negative impact on male fertility. Many women who are planning a pregnancy question whether SSRIs and other antidepressants may affect fertility; this is obviously a particularly important issue for those who are having difficulty conceiving. [...]
Choice of Antidepressant May Affect Survival in Women on Tamoxifen for Breast Cancer
May 2nd
Tamoxifen is a SERM (selective estrogen receptor modulator) used in women with breast cancer; it reduces the risk of relapse and improves overall survival. Tamoxifen may also be used to reduce the risk of breast cancer in women at high risk for the disease. In order to be fully effective, tamoxifen must be metabolized to [...]
New Research from the CWMH: Escitalopram (Lexapro) for Hot Flashes
Feb 3rd
For decades, estrogen has been used to treat menopausal symptoms, including night sweats and hot flashes. However, after studies reported that estrogen increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and breast cancer, many patients and clinicians have looked into alternative treatments for hot flashes, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). According to a new study published [...]
Antidepressants and Weight Gain
Nov 4th
Many individuals have the experience of weight gain while receiving treatment with an antidepressant, and often wonder if selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are associated with weight gain. This is an excellent, complex, and clinically important question. Depression, anxiety, appetite, and weight: There is a relationship between appetite and depression, with changes in appetite representing [...]
Should SSRIs Be Tapered Prior To Delivery?
Sep 8th
Increased muscle tone, jitteriness, sleep disturbance, irritability, feeding problems, mild respiratory distress and myoclonus have been reported as symptoms of a potential neonatal distress syndrome related to exposure to SSRIs in late pregnancy. The average duration of symptoms reported is 48 hours. It is estimated that between 25-30% of SSRI-exposed infants are at risk for [...]
Antidepressants and Risk of Spontaneous Abortion
Jun 21st
Although the last several decades of research have yielded important findings regarding the safety of antidepressants during pregnancy, some areas are still understudied. For example, there are no conclusive results concerning the risk of spontaneous abortions following antidepressant exposure during the first trimester. Several recent meta-analyses, including one from the Motherisk program (Hemels, 2005), have [...]
When Health Care Providers Say the Wrong Thing
Apr 14th
With increasing frequency, postpartum women who have taken antidepressants during pregnancy have shared – usually in tears – that while in the hospital for their labor and delivery hospitalization, a health care provider at the hospital said something judgmental about their being on an antidepressant. For example, one woman said that a nurse told her, [...]