Can Antidepressants Impact Your Baby?

June 2005

If you’re pregnant or planning to get pregnant, know the facts about how antidepressant drugs might affect your baby.

According to a University of Pittsburgh study, babies born to women taking antidepressants such as Prozac, Paxil, and other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) during the last trimester of pregnancy have a three times greater chance of developing drug-related symptoms.

During the first two weeks of life, the babies experienced symptoms that included irritability and respiratory problems. Although symptoms are usually mild and subside, some cases have resulted in an intensive care stay.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and drug makers are putting warning labels on these drugs indicating the potential risks associated with use during pregnancy. Pregnant women taking antidepressants should consult their doctors to see if their risks of depression are greater than the mild complications caused in newborns.