Antidepressant prescriptions for prenatal and postpartum women in Japan: A health administrative database study

The prevalence and pattern of perinatal antidepressant prescriptions in Japan are unknown.

The prevalence of antidepressant prescriptions between 180 days before pregnancy onset and 180 days postpartum was evaluated using a large administrative database. The dates of pregnancy onset and delivery were estimated using developed algorithms.

Of 33,941 women, at least one antidepressant was prescribed to 451 (133/10,000 deliveries) between 180 days before pregnancy and 180 days postpartum and to 241 (71/10,000 deliveries) during pregnancy. The prevalence of antidepressant prescriptions decreased during the first and second trimesters and increased in the postpartum period. Of 339 women with antidepressant prescriptions before pregnancy, 151 (44.5%) discontinued it during pregnancy. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors were the most frequently prescribed class of antidepressants in the time period studied (356 women, 105/10,000 deliveries), followed by tricyclic/non-tricyclic antidepressants (101 women, 30/10,000 deliveries). Of the 57 women who had at least one record of paroxetine prescription in the first trimester, 13 (22.8%) were prescribed >25 mg/day. Fifty-seven women (17/10,000 deliveries) were concurrently prescribed two or more classes of antidepressants between 180 days before pregnancy and 180 days postpartum.

It may not always have been the case that the prescribed antidepressants were used. Women whose pregnancy ended in an abortion or stillbirth were not included.

Various antidepressants were prescribed to prenatal and postpartum women in Japan. Approximately half of pregnant women discontinued treatment with antidepressants after becoming pregnant. Women of childbearing age should select an appropriate antidepressant considering the risk/benefit profile.