[Neuropsychiatric drugs during pregnancy]

As studies concerning the innocuousness of neuropsychiatic drugs during pregnancy are sometimes contradictory and difficult to interpret, the guiding line to follow is that the risk incurred by the foetus must be inferior to that of an untreated maternal pathology. Categories such as "anticonvulsivants", benzodiazepins or lithium may increase, particularly during the first term, the risk of some malformations. IMAOs and psychostimulants are to be avoided. As for antidepressants, some SSRIs such as fluotexin or citalopram will be preferred as far as possible. Neuroleptics will only be continued in case of major depressions and in small quantities. Exposure to some categories of drugs in the third term will mainly lead to neonatal symptoms. Finally, the importance of psychological or psychiatric support must be stressed throughout pregnancy.