Gideon Koren, MD, FRCP, author of the new novel, Prozac Baby, discusses the truth about taking antidepressants during pregnancy, referencing a study published in The New England Journal of Medicine. This study and others indicate that there are no adverse effects from proper, prescribed usage of antidepressants during pregnancy. Koren advises pregnant women to consider the following prior to taking antidepressants during this time, in order to have the happiest, healthiest pregnancy possible.
Recommendations and Key Points
1. Antidepressants should only be taken for true depression, diagnosed and prescribed by a psychiatric professional.
2. Dosage efficacy may vary throughout the pregnancy as a result of the physiological changes a woman undergoes.
3. Advise your patients to receive all their information from experts and professionals in pregnancy, not public opinion or amateur advisers.
Resources & References:
– https://vivo.brown.edu/display/gkoren
– http://www.sickkids.ca/AboutSickKids/Directory/People/K/Gideon-Koren-staff-profile.html
