FDA warns of rare deadly side effect of SSI's in pregnant women:

[dixiegrrrrl]

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is updating the public on the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants by women during pregnancy and the potential risk of a rare heart and lung condition known as persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN). The initial Public Health Advisory in July 2006 on this potential risk was based on a single published study. Since then, there have been conflicting findings from new studies evaluating this potential risk, making it unclear whether use of SSRIs during pregnancy can cause PPHN.

More:
http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm283375.htm?source=govdelivery

[enlightenment]

1. In the 1980s, when

I was involved with both of those things (SSRI's and pregnancy), they would not give antidepressants to pregnant women. They were very clear about it - the risks were too great to the fetus.

What changed, I wonder?

[dixiegrrrrl]

2. Money, I would suspect.

[enlightenment]

5. Probably so.

Rather sad reflection on the state of things, isn't it?

[dixiegrrrrl]

6. sigh....indeed.

[cbayer]

3. While earlier anti-depressants were avoided during pregnancy, there

was general acceptance that SSRI's were probably safe. This was due to any evidence to the contrary. Many women were treated with them during their pregnancies, particularly is they had had any evidence of post-partum depressions in the past.

This is the first piece of evidence that I am aware of that links any kind of contraindication for their use during pregnancy.

[enlightenment]

4. Interesting.

As I indicated, I had some personal experience with the situation - and was told, point-blank, that I should not use SSRI's during pregnancy. The drug in question was Bupropion, which was pretty new at the time (I was taking it when I conceived).

Perhaps I just had doctors operating from an abundance of caution. Pretty wise, as it turns out, it seems.

Thanks for the information.