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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can Antidepressants Affect The Fetus?

Hello, I am on two antidepressant- Cipralex(ssri-10mg every alternate day) and resperidone/risnia(1ml per day). I want to conceive a baby by my gynecologist says that it is FDA Category C and i should not plan a baby. But my psychiatrist says it is perfectly safe. Also considering that the dosage is minimal, is it safe to conceive a baby? will; the baby have any medical effect?
Thu, 24 Dec 2015
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Dear Ma'am, Hi
I appreciate your concern for the safety of antidepressants during pregnancy.
Yes, they can affect the growing fetus.

As per the Food & Drug Administration the medications belonging to Category C, the animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.

The new born babies can show the side effects or withdrawal symptoms of Cipralex if their mothers are given Cipralex in the 3rd trimester.

Therefore the safety of this Cipralex in pregnancy has not been established. It should therefore be used with caution during pregnancy, and only if the benefits to the mother outweigh any risks to the fetus. This is particularly important in the 1st & 3rd trimesters where the medicine could have harmful effects on the baby.

Regarding Resperidone, the new born babies can show side effects like agitation, hypertonia, hypotonia, tremors, respiratory distress or feeding problems if their mothers are given Risperidone during 3rd trimester.

Hope to have clarified the safety of antidepressants during safety.


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Can Antidepressants Affect The Fetus?

Dear Ma am, Hi I appreciate your concern for the safety of antidepressants during pregnancy. Yes, they can affect the growing fetus. As per the Food & Drug Administration the medications belonging to Category C, the animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks. The new born babies can show the side effects or withdrawal symptoms of Cipralex if their mothers are given Cipralex in the 3rd trimester. Therefore the safety of this Cipralex in pregnancy has not been established. It should therefore be used with caution during pregnancy, and only if the benefits to the mother outweigh any risks to the fetus. This is particularly important in the 1st & 3rd trimesters where the medicine could have harmful effects on the baby. Regarding Resperidone, the new born babies can show side effects like agitation, hypertonia, hypotonia, tremors, respiratory distress or feeding problems if their mothers are given Risperidone during 3rd trimester. Hope to have clarified the safety of antidepressants during safety.