Anti-Depressants Cause Birth Defects, Studies Show
There has been more information and studies these last few years showing the serious side effects that anti-depressants taken during pregnancy can have on babies. Prozac, Paxil, Welbutrin, Lexapro and Zoloft are common brand names of drugs known as SSRIs - selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. These drugs regulate the amount of serotonin, the chemical in the brain most closely associated with depression.
Unfortunately, these brain chemicals are also critical during the development of the fetus, meaning that drugs affecting the balance and amount of serotonin in the brain during certain times of pregnancy can cause birth defects, specifically related to the heart. Aortic stenosis, a hole in the heart or cleft palates, among other birth defects.
The use and safety of anti-depressants during pregnancy is still controversial and many doctors will tell patients - following the drug companies warnings - that it can be safe during most of the pregnancy. However, because there cannot be widespread trials on women who are pregnant, only animals, it is difficult to produce enough reliable data. Anti-anxiety medicine, such as Topamax, has also been shown to cause birth defects in newborn babies. Until the link is established or a more complete look at the data by the drug companies is performed, any woman who is pregnant and taking these sorts of medications should talk to their doctor and ask questions about the safety of these drugs.
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