WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for January, 1998: Re: Anti-depressants that are safe in pregnancy/conceiving

Re: Anti-depressants that are safe in pregnancy/conceiving

From: Kelly (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Sun, 25 Jan 1998 21:05:19 -0600 (CST)

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In reply to: Colleen: "Anti-depressants that are safe in pregnancy/conceiving"

At Sun, 25 Jan 1998, Colleen wrote: >
>I was wondering what the general consensus is regarding taking
>anti-depressants while trying to conceive and during pregnancy? I have
>had problems w/ depression since I was a teen and have been on
>medication at 2 different times (Tofranil & Prozac, separately). I had
>been on Prozac when I conceived in Nov. of 96, then suffered a
>miscarriage. In deciding to try again, I discontinued the Prozac. We
>did get pregnant, only to have another miscarriage. We are now seeing
>an RE and having testing done before we try again. My problem is that I
>am extrememly depressed and don't know what to do regarding a
>medication. It is very important to me to have another child, but at
>the same time, I cannot go on living with this depression. I am not
>excited about going back to Prozac, as I don't feel it was especially
>helpful, but my OB did say it was "safe" to take in pregnancy?? I guess
>my other fear is that the medication could cause another miscarriage.
>Sorry this was so long. Thanks for any help/suggestions you can give
>me!
>Colleen

Most antidepressants, including prozac, zoloft and others in the SSRI class, fall into "pregnancy category C" -- not well studied in humans, but use if the benefit outweighs any potential risks. There have been several studies now showing that the SSRIs are pretty safe to use in pregnancy. If your depression is that bad, you should see your docotr about going back on medication.

The medication did not cause your miscarriages, but after 2 consecutive miscarriages I would suggest you ask your doctor to begin the work up for repetative pregnancy loss.

Best of luck for a healthy pegnancy and a happy you.

--
Kelly Shanahan, MD, FACOG
S. Lake Tahoe, CA

note: Opinions here are for educational purposes only. This information is not intended to supplant the need for you to consult with your own physician. It cannot take the place of a face to face consultation and examination.
Sorry, but private e-mails will not be answered.

Next message: Kelly: "Re: Polycystic Ovarian disease"
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