  |
|
|
|
Page 2
Some women may discontinue their antidepressants right before or immediately after conception. But, if they have a history of recurrent or severe depression and find themselves getting depressed again, it may be necessary to take medication during the pregnancy. One of the "safer" antidepressants (Prozac or Pamelor) would be the first choice. In extreme cases, if a pregnant woman is severely depressed and suicidal or psychotic, she needs to be hospitalized. When I prescribe an antidepressant for a woman in her fertile years, I warn her not to get pregnant while taking medication, and tell her that we don't know for sure what the repercussions would be for the baby. If she does become pregnant, we discuss her past history of depression (if any). If possible, I try to persuade her to discontinue the medication and to continue in psychotherapy. Generally, I'm pretty conservative with medication. However if the woman has a history of severe and recurring depressions, we - along with her obstetrician - discuss the pros and cons of continuing her antidepressant. Once these are discussed, I then let the woman make the final decision. She may decide to stay on the medication, or she may decide to try to stay off of it during the first three months of her pregnancy. Go To Page: 1 2
The copyright of the article Life Cycle and Depression: Pregnancy - Page 2 in Female Depression is owned by Mari Brodersen. Permission to republish Life Cycle and Depression: Pregnancy - Page 2 in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
|
|
|
|
