[Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in pregnancy]

Recent studies suggest several problems associated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) when administered during pregnancy. During organogenesis, paroxetine (Deroxat, Paxil, or generics) was associated with a significantly increased risk of major congenital malformations. Such an increase had already been reported with clomipramine (Anafranil), a tricyclic antidepressant. After the time of organogenesis, SSRIs have also been associated to risks. Of these, the more frequent is neonatal toxicity, while pulmonary hypertension in the newborn is likely to be the more severe. These newly discovered side effects arouse questions about the treatment of depression during pregnancy.