Antidepressant During Pregnancy Linked to Increased Risk of Birth Defects

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CDC's key findings from the data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys held from 2005 to 2008 revealed that 11% of Americans aged 12 and above consume antidepressant medication, and that one-third of people with severe depressive symptoms take antidepressant medication. Over 60% of Americans who take antidepressants have been taking it for two or more years, and 14% of them have been taking medication for 10 or more years. The CDC also found that women are more likely to take antidepressants than men.

In celebration of Birth Defects Prevention Month this January, the medical community is bringing forth more information on how to prevent birth defects in newborns. A new study coming from researchers at the University of Montreal in Canada have found that paroxetine, a form of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, can contribute to birth defects.

Medical News Today reports that paroxetine is sold as Paxil in the U.S. and it is commonly prescribed to treat depression, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), generalized anxiety disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The drug increases the amount of serotonin in the brain to maintain mental balance.

Paroxetine was considered safe to take during pregnancy, until 2005, when researchers conducted a small, unpublished, manufacturer-led study that revealed an increased risk for cardiac malformations in babies exposed to the drug before birth.

The new study led by Prof. Anick Bérard, of CHU Sainte-Justine and the University of Montreal in Canada and published in "British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology" analyzed studies published from 1966 to 2015 and retrieved 23 that were eligible for the research.

According to Science World Report, the intake of paroxetine during a pregnant women's first trimester resulted to a 23% increased risk of any major congenital malformations and a 28% increased risk of major cardiac malformations in newborns, compared to their counterparts who did not take paroxetine. Researchers noted that the baseline risk of major malformations is 3% while cardiac malformations are 1%.

"Given that the benefits of antidepressants overall, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors including paroxetine specifically, during pregnancy is questionable at best, any increase in risk—small or large—is too high," Prof. Bérard commented.

"Indeed, the risk/benefit ratio suggests non-use in women with mild to moderately depressive symptoms, which is 85% of pregnant women with depressive symptoms. Therefore, planning of pregnancy is essential, and valid treatment options such as psychotherapy or exercise regimens are warranted in this special population," she said, as per Eurekalert.

Researchers recommend proceeding with caution in consuming antidepressants during pregnancy, specifically paroxetine.