Perinatal psychotropic dispensing: A descriptive population-based study in New Zealand

Decisions about using psychotropics during pregnancy are complex as risks of untreated illness are balanced against risks of fetal exposure to medication. The objective was to describe perinatal psychotropic dispensing patterns in New Zealand.

Nationwide data from the New Zealand National Maternity Collection between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2017 identified 399 715 pregnancies. These were linked with dispensing records to determine the proportion of pregnancies during which at least 1 psychotropic was dispensed. Proportions were calculated separately for each class, year, pregnancy period, and across maternal characteristics. The pattern of dispensing (including discontinuations) was also determined for the 25 841 women who were dispensed at least 1 psychotropic drug prior to pregnancy.

From the 399 715 pregnancies in the study cohort, 6.6% were dispensed at least 1 psychotropic during pregnancy. Antidepressants (5.1%) were the most dispensed, followed by hypnotics (1.2%), anxiolytics (0.7%), and antipsychotics (0.7%). From the 25 841 pregnancies during which a psychotropic was dispensed pre-pregnancy, 91% and 90% discontinued hypnotics and anxiolytics respectively, prior to or during pregnancy. This was followed by lithium (71%), antipsychotics (66%), and antidepressants (66%).

Dispensing of psychotropics during pregnancy occurs in approximately 6.6% of pregnancies in New Zealand. Two-thirds of women (66%) on antidepressants or antipsychotics discontinue dispensing before or during pregnancy. This may have implications for maternal mental health, suggesting there is a need to investigate how healthcare providers and women are making decisions about psychotropic use during pregnancy.