Antidepressants in Pregnancy Linked to Birth Defects

RedTracker| Danish researchers say that using psychotropic medications during pregnancy increases the probability of birth defects.

Analyzing 4,500 cases of paediatric adverse drug reaction reports between 1998 and 2997, researchers found that 42 percent of adverse reactions were reported for psychostimulants, such as Ritalin, followed by 31 percent for antidepressants, such as Prozac, and 24 percent for antipsychotics, such as Haldol.

An analysis of 429 cases of serious birth deformities and severe withdrawal syndromes in children — a most serious subgroup of the total sampling — determined that over half were tied to psychotropic medications use. 

Unlike warnings for drinking alcohol during pregnancy, there’s not guidance on women taking these drugs. Worldwide, pregnant women are increasing their use of antidepressants. via Science Daily