Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 22, 2026

Using a Murine Model of Psychosocial Stress in Pregnancy as a Translationally Relevant Paradigm for Psychiatric Disorders in Mothers and Infants
Published on: June 13, 2021
Prescribing psychotropic medications during pregnancy and lactation: principles and guidelines
1University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA. HowlandRH@upmc.edu
Abstract:
Treating mental disorders in pregnant or breastfeeding women is an important clinical issue. Antidepressant and antipsychotic drugs are generally considered to be relatively safe when used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Benzodiazepine drugs, used for anxiety or insomnia, have a small but significant risk of birth defects. Antidepressant drugs could be used as an alternative for treating anxiety and insomnia. Lithium and anticonvulsant drugs (with the exception of lamotrigine) should generally be avoided during pregnancy. Antipsychotic drugs can be substituted for mood stabilizers. Use of anticonvulsant drugs is compatible with breastfeeding. Psychotherapy is a potential alternative to medication for the treatment of depression, anxiety disorders, and insomnia. Untreated maternal psychiatric illness can have adverse effects on pregnancy outcome and infant well-being. Available treatments and their potential risks when used during pregnancy or lactation should be discussed in the context of the risks of not treating maternal psychiatric illness effectively.
Related Concept Videos
Mania and Antimanic Drugs: Overview
Psychosis: Goals of Pharmacotherapy
Antidepressant Drugs: Overview
Psychosis and Antipsychotic Drugs: Overview
Drug Therapy
Antianxiety Medications
Upper Respiratory Drugs: Antitussives, Expectorants, and Mucolytics
Antitussives include codeine, dextromethorphan (Robitussin), and benzonatate (Tessalon). Codeine and dextromethorphan exert their effects centrally by suppressing the cough reflex center in the medulla. Benzonatate operates peripherally within the respiratory tract by anesthetizing...