Newborns at Risk of Antidepressant Withdrawal

Newborn babies could be at risk of suffering withdrawal symptoms if their mothers are prescribed antidepressants during pregnancy, researchers said on Friday.

The drugs known as selective reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can cause convulsions, irritability, abnormal crying and tremors.

The majority of reported cases uncovered by Sanz and his colleagues were associated with paroxetine, which is produced by drugs giant GlaxoSmithKline under the brand name Paxil or Seroxat.

"Paroxetine should not be used in pregnancy, or if used, it should be given at the lowest effective dose," said Sanz, a specialist in clinical pharmacology.

The findings, which are reported in The Lancet medical journal, are another blow for SSRIs, which have become the gold standard treatment for depression.

In the meantime, they suggested doctors use non-drug therapies and review prescription thresholds, particularly during pregnancy.

Courtesy of Reuters 2/4/05