• S Misri, A Burgmann, and D Kostaras.
• Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver.
• Can Fam Physician. 2000 Mar 1; 46: 626633626-8, 631-3.

ObjectiveTo summarize the literature on use of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class of antidepressants for pregnant and breastfeeding women.Data Sources And Study SelectionMEDLINE was searched over the past 9 years. An examination of the literature over the last 8 years was included in this review. Primary studies consist of prospective investigations and case studies. Evidence for the safety of SSRIs is limited, but some good studies describe the effects of untreated depression.SynthesisAll studies report that infants are exposed to SSRIs; the drugs can be measured in their plasma and urine. Some evidence shows an increase in minor perinatal complications among infants exposed to SSRIs late in gestation or while nursing. No studies, however, have found an increase in major fetal malformations or pregnancy-related complications. The only investigation of long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes found no negative outcomes among infants exposed to SSRIs during pregnancy. Data are scarce, and readers are cautioned to take into consideration the limitations of the studies reviewed before making definite treatment decisions.ConclusionsMajor fetal malformations and exposure to SSRIs during pregnancy and lactation do not appear to be associated. Some minor perinatal complications have been reported. Data on the long-term developmental outcomes of children exposed to SSRIs in utero and during breastfeeding are limited.

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