A Review of Antidepressants in Pregnancy
​
Lexie Stough
Abstract
Depression is a mentally debilitating, psychiatric disease affecting a person’s day to day life. There are many risk factors and biological, psychological, and environmental causes that can contribute to the development and progression of depression. Medication is commonly used in addition to or after nonpharmacological options. In the general population, because of patient variability choosing and dosing an antidepressant involves a lot of trial and error and risk analysis to balance efficacy and safety. In pregnant women, additional challenges complicate an already difficult situation including additional risk analysis considerations for a growing fetus. Limited research is available regarding antidepressant use in pregnancy, therefore many clinical decisions are based on discussions between the patient and provider. Choosing a medication, dosing, altered pharmacokinetics, and monitoring are all key aspects to consider in this vulnerable population. Sound clinical judgment specific to the patient is critical in order to balance depression treatment and maternal, as well as fetal, outcomes.

Full Text
Volume 7 Article 1
File Size: 211 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Notice and Disclaimer

Medicine is an ever-changing science.  As new research and clinical experience broaden our knowledge, changes in treatment and drug therapy are required.  The authors and the publisher of this work have checked with sources believed to be reliable in their efforts to provide information that is complete and generally in accord with the standards accepted at the time of publication.  However, in view of the possibility of human error or changes in medical sciences, neither the authors nor the publisher nor any other party who has been involved in the preparation or publication of this work warrants that the information contained herein is accurate or complete, and they disclaim all responsibility for any errors or omissions or for the results obtained from use of the information contained in this work.    Readers are encouraged to confirm the information contained herein with other sources.   For example and in particular, readers are advised to check the product information sheet included in the package of each drug they plan to administer to be certain that the information contained in this work is accurate and that changes have not been made in the recommended dose or in the contraindications for administration.

Subscribe to ARxCH