• 02
  • February
    2011

Numerous studies have linked a variety of SSRI antidepressants to birth defects. The first SSRI to come under scrutiny was Paxil- in 2005. Paxil was found to be associated with Heart defects, Neural tube defects, Craniosynstosis, and Club foot. Since then, numerous studies have shown that other SSRI's may be just as dangerous during pregnancy. Studies have implicated  SSRI Blockbuster drugs: Prozac, Zoloft, Celexa and Lexapro. These Studies have shown a similar pattern of defects, namely: Heart, Clubfoot, Neural tube and Craniosynostosis. So far Paxil is the only SSRI which carries the Pregnancy category D warning on its label, but recent studies could cause the FDA to mandate a pregancy category change for all SSRI's. All other SSRI's are now a pregnancy category C, which is a less severe warning. The D pregnancy category is significant because it warns doctors ,that studies in pregnant women have shown the drug to be associated or cause with birth defects. This alerts Doctors to change their prescribing habits for women of child bearing years. The Critical time for SSRI exposure is during the first trimester, when the baby is first developing. Unfortunately, many women do not realize they are pregnant until well into the first trimester.