Studies: Antidepressants OK For Moms-To-Be

Research Finds Newborns Face Little Risk When Mothers Take Certain Drugs

(CBS/AP) 
Also, a mother's untreated depression can lead to poor care or turmoil at home, a weaker maternal bond, and other problems for a newborn. "The fetus and the newborn are almost always worse off if the mom is depressed than if ... exposed to the vast majority of antidepressants," Quentzel said.

However, doctors and mothers have been very wary about medications and birth defects since Europe's thalidomide scandal of deformed babies in the 1960s. Defects from all causes are expected in about 3 percent of births, enough to make many mothers nervous.

The concern about SSRIs grew out of GlaxoSmithKline's own alert in 2005 about possible heart defects in newborns whose mothers took Paxil early in pregnancy. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration added its own warning. Last year, a separate study linked SSRIs taken late in pregnancy to a lung disorder in newborns.

The latest studies do not consider that disorder, known as persistent pulmonary hypertension. But they suggest that the risk of other defects from an SSRI — even if confirmed — would add only a fraction of 1 percent to the overall danger, researchers said.

Paxil did appear to triple the risk of a defect in blood flow from the heart, both studies found. But that additional danger would still be modest, experts said.

The studies further hinted at possible ties between other SSRIs and a handful of other defects, but researchers said the numbers of newborns with specific defects were too small to draw strong conclusions.

"Based on these studies, it's correct to say: no major risk," said Carol Louik, a public health expert who led the Boston study. "I wouldn't say, 'No risk."'

Researchers said women should talk over the potential risks and benefits with their doctors, preferably before pregnancy.

[michellem99-2009]

I am sorry THAT I am so poorly schooled but I lost my train of thot when my friend stepped in. I meant thank you for helpping me to understand better so that I am not so dumb as I want to know better. Thank for the care you give these vets who truly need it. They would not teach me anything as they was not set up to educate a multi like me. I do try to express my say. I hate my blindness as I miss so much. Please take care of our VETS. I always thank them when I meet them. I was taught this as a child and as an older lady still do. Best wishes and peace of Christ be with you alway.

[michellem99-2009]

Thank you for helping you for helpping our vets and some may be Mums. I know the govt wont step upto the plate in medical issues. My vet friend always thanks the staff at the VAMC here in Seattle. He is grateful for the care. Most are too poor to pay. I am grateful that Dad in Maine goes to the VAMC. The Vets earnt that care and its kind people like you that care. THANK YOU.

[michellem99-2009]

sorry about the multi posts the button should be easier to see but is not.I use a hand magnifier to read. So sorry.

[michellem99-2009]

sorry about the multi posts the button should be easier to see but is not.I use a hand magnifier to read. So sorry.

[michellem99-2009]

sorry about the multi posts the button should be easier to see but is not.I use a hand magnifier to read. So sorry.

[michellem99-2009]

Gebtle Postee, My room mate is a vet and does go to VAMC.They are good to you vets. BUT Bush won't give the VAMC money to care for our dear vets who need that care so that area I am p---ed and yet I don't know everything. I will step upto the plate when I am wrong. But the treatments are not there for us due being poor. And I think it not right to hurt others as they who bill high prices that it even hurts good drs. The poor that suffer depression can't get the help due to money. Not every drug works due to side effects. Yes.IT IS A PITY THEY YAK ABOUT NATIONAL HEALTH CARE which could help others. By the way my vet room mate is diabetic,has lung,heart issues,depression. He has had 4 heart attacks. We don't have any one. We have been together 24 yrs. He is the one that helpped me get computer so I can share.

[michellem99-2009]

Gebtle Postee, My room mate is a vet and does go to VAMC.They are good to you vets. BUT Bush won't give the VAMC money to care for our dear vets who need that care so that area I am p---ed and yet I don't know everything. I will step upto the plate when I am wrong. But the treatments are not there for us due being poor. And I think it not right to hurt others as they who bill high prices that it even hurts good drs. The poor that suffer depression can't get the help due to money. Not every drug works due to side effects. Yes.IT IS A PITY THEY YAK ABOUT NATIONAL HEALTH CARE which could help others. By the way my vet room mate is diabetic,has lung,heart issues,depression. He has had 4 heart attacks. We don't have any one. We have been together 24 yrs. He is the one that helpped me get computer so I can share.

[michellem99-2009]

Gebtle Postee, My room mate is a vet and does go to VAMC.They are good to you vets. BUT Bush won't give the VAMC money to care for our dear vets who need that care so that area I am p---ed and yet I don't know everything. I will step upto the plate when I am wrong. But the treatments are not there for us due being poor. And I think it not right to hurt others as they who bill high prices that it even hurts good drs. The poor that suffer depression can't get the help due to money. Not every drug works due to side effects. Yes.IT IS A PITY THEY YAK ABOUT NATIONAL HEALTH CARE which could help others. By the way my vet room mate is diabetic,has lung,heart issues,depression. He has had 4 heart attacks. We don't have any one. We have been together 24 yrs. He is the one that helpped me get computer so I can share.

[michellem99-2009]

Gebtle Postee, My room mate is a vet and does go to VAMC.They are good to you vets. BUT Bush won't give the VAMC money to care for our dear vets who need that care so that area I am p---ed and yet I don't know everything. I will step upto the plate when I am wrong. But the treatments are not there for us due being poor. And I think it not right to hurt others as they who bill high prices that it even hurts good drs. The poor that suffer depression can't get the help due to money. Not every drug works due to side effects. Yes.IT IS A PITY THEY YAK ABOUT NATIONAL HEALTH CARE which could help others. By the way my vet room mate is diabetic,has lung,heart issues,depression. He has had 4 heart attacks. We don't have any one. We have been together 24 yrs. He is the one that helpped me get computer so I can share.

[michellem99-2009]

Gebtle Postee, My room mate is a vet and does go to VAMC.They are good to you vets. BUT Bush won't give the VAMC money to care for our dear vets who need that care so that area I am p---ed and yet I don't know everything. I will step upto the plate when I am wrong. But the treatments are not there for us due being poor. And I think it not right to hurt others as they who bill high prices that it even hurts good drs. The poor that suffer depression can't get the help due to money. Not every drug works due to side effects. Yes.IT IS A PITY THEY YAK ABOUT NATIONAL HEALTH CARE which could help others. By the way my vet room mate is diabetic,has lung,heart issues,depression. He has had 4 heart attacks. We don't have any one. We have been together 24 yrs. He is the one that helpped me get computer so I can share.