Depression is a common condition that afflicts women. Depressed pregnant women are at risk of preterm labor and worsening of their depression. Hence, treatment of these patients is important. That is why two recent articles that appeared in the New England Journal of Medicine about drug treatment of depression in pregnancy are important.
Previous studies implicated the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI's) like Paxil, Prozac and Zoloft in causing birth defects. These two new studies agree that the SSRI's have low risk of causing fetal abnormalities. Pregnant women who have depression should take comfort that they can take the SSRI's without having to worry about having abnormal babies. The abnormalities found in previous studies are rare.
Reference: New England Journal of Medicine.
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Women are more likely than men to suffer from depression, especially during their reproductive years. Rates of depression are higher where stressful circumstances exist such as poverty, lack of education, sexual inequality, poor social support and in pregnancy. Single and adolescent pregnant women are especially at risk. http://www.xanax-effects.com/
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