Antidepressants during pregnancy linked to higher miscarriage risk: study

Published on May 31, 2010; Published on July 1, 2010
The Canadian Press ~ The News

Topics :: University of Montreal , Canadian Medical Association Journal , Quebec

A new study suggests taking antidepressants during pregnancy may increase the risk of miscarriage.
The study of more than 5,100 pregnant women in Quebec found taking antidepressants in the first trimester increased the overall risk of miscarriage by 68 per cent.
Researchers at the University of Montreal say that of 284 women who miscarried in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy, more than five per cent had taken antidepressants.
Researcher Dr. Anick Berard says selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, especially Paxil, and another type of antidepressant called venlafaxine were especially linked with increased miscarriage risk.
The study published this week by the Canadian Medical Association Journal says antidepressants are widely used in pregnancy, and up to 3.7 per cent of women use them during the first trimester.
Women are advised to discuss treatment options with their doctors, as stopping the drugs can cause a depressive relapse.

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