Contents:
- Medical Video: Psychiatrist Katie Hirst discusses use of antidepressants in pregnancy
- Is it safe to take antidepressants while pregnant?
- What risks might occur due to taking antidepressants during pregnancy?
- When can I take antidepressants while pregnant?
- What types of antidepressants are safe for pregnant women?
Medical Video: Psychiatrist Katie Hirst discusses use of antidepressants in pregnancy
It is not uncommon for pregnant women to feel depressed, stressed, feeling anxious, and depressed. To overcome this, maybe some of the pregnant women take antidepressant drugs to alleviate their condition. But is taking antidepressants during pregnancy safe? Can antidepressant drugs have a negative impact on maternal and fetal health?
Is it safe to take antidepressants while pregnant?
Actually it is very important to overcome depression and stress in pregnant women. Pregnant women who experience depression are at risk of having complications during pregnancy, and can even lead to disability and miscarriage. Therefore many pregnant women use antidepressant drugs to deal with depressive symptoms they experience.
A study conducted in 2005 found that every 1 in 20 women take antidepressants while pregnant to make themselves calmer. Most women are hesitant to take antidepressants while pregnant, for fear that this will adversely affect fetal development. But various studies have proven that in general, antidepressant drugs are safe if taken during pregnancy. Even though the risks such as birth defects can still occur, the chances are small.
What risks might occur due to taking antidepressants during pregnancy?
Many studies have examined the use of antidepressant drugs in pregnant women. The results of these studies vary, some say antidepressants have a small risk of causing complications and some suggest otherwise. But indeed in general, antidepressants are safe to use. For risks that may occur are:
- Babies experience high blood pressure at birth
- Miscarriage
- Disability in the baby's heart organ
- Birth defects
- Babies born prematurely
- Babies born with low body weight
As for the long-term side effects of taking antidepressants during pregnancy it is still unclear. But some research found no difference in IQ scores, behavior, and learning ability in children exposed to antidepressants while still in the womb.
When can I take antidepressants while pregnant?
Taking medication when pregnant should not be arbitrary, as well as antidepressant drugs. You may take antidepressant medication if the symptoms of depression are moderate. If the symptoms of depression have diminished and even disappeared for about 6 months, you should stop using them. If during your use you experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, getting anxious and sensitive, and tired, then you should stop using antidepressants.
What types of antidepressants are safe for pregnant women?
There are several types of antidepressants that are classified as safe to drink by pregnant women, namely:
Selective serotonin reuptakes inhibitors (SSRIs), is a type of antidepressant that is safe for pregnant women. Drugs that include SSRIs are citalopram (Celexa), fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft).
Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), also antidepressant drugs that are safe to drink during hami. Examples of drugs that include SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR).
Buproprion (Wellbutrin), is a drug that is used to relieve depression and help someone to stop smoking. although this drug is not the main antidepressant drug that is considered safe, but buproprion can be an option.
Trichilic, antidepressant drugs that can also be a choice for pregnant women to relieve symptoms of depression.
Even so, in some studies it was mentioned that citaloparm, flouxetine, and sertraline can cause respiratory problems in newborns. But this is indeed very rare.
