What is the general FDA warning on the use of antidepressants in pregnancy?

What is the general FDA warning on the use of antidepressants in pregnancy?

[12-14-2011] The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is updating the public on the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants by women during pregnancy and the potential risk of a rare heart and lung condition known as persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN).

Which antidepressant should be avoided in pregnancy?

Certain selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Most studies show that SSRIs aren’t associated with birth defects. However, paroxetine (Paxil) might be associated with a small increased risk of a fetal heart defect and is generally discouraged during pregnancy.

Do all SSRIs have a black box warning?

In October 2004, the FDA required a so-called “black box warning” of this risk to be printed on the labels of all antidepressant drugs. It was implemented in January 2005. Two years later, the FDA extended the same warning to include young adults, again based on industry studies.

What antidepressants have a black box warning?

As a result, the FDA issued a black-box warning for the nine antidepressants citalopram (Celexa), fluvoxamine (Luvox), paroxetine (Paxil), fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), venlafaxine (Effexor), mirtazapine (Remeron), nefazodone (Serzone), and bupropion (Wellbutrin).

Is Zoloft or Lexapro safe for pregnancy?

Generally speaking, sertraline (you may know it better as Zoloft) and escitalopram seem like reasonably safe options for use during pregnancy. One large study concluded that sertraline seems to have the least amount of risk associated with it when used during first trimester.

Is Lexapro safe in pregnancy?

The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) classifies Lexapro in the category C for the safety of use during pregnancy. This category indicates there has not been enough clinical research on humans to deem the medication safe. Other SSRI antidepressants have been associated with several issues for fetuses and newborns.

What is the black box warning for Paxil?

The FDA issued a black box warning for Paxil concerning suicidal thoughts and behavior in children, adolescents and young adults, particularly those with major depressive disorder. The drug’s label warns anyone age 24 or younger to carefully weigh these risks with the clinical need.

What class is Lexapro for pregnancy?