What Are the Risks of Fluoxetine in Pregnancy?

Fluoxetine is a common antidepressant. Some studies have shown that taking this medication during the last few months of a pregnancy may cause some fetal problems. Babies born to mothers who take this drug may be more likely to be born prematurely or with a low birth weight. They may also be more likely to develop other health problems as well, particularly breathing and feeding problems. Since it can possibly cause problems, many doctors advise their patients not to take fluoxetine in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Commonly used to treat depression and anxiety disorders, fluoxetine is one of the most common antidepressants on the market today. In some cases, it may also be used to treat obsessive compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, and eating disorders. It is classified as a selective seratonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), and it helps regulate the levels of seratonin, a mood-enhancing chemical in the brain.

In the early stages, most experts agree that taking fluoxetine in pregnancy will have little effect on a fetus. For example, a pregnant woman will not usually put her unborn child in danger if she takes this medication during the first few months of her pregnancy. She should speak to her doctor, however, once she finds out she is pregnant. He may be able to offer fluoxetine alternatives.

There have been several conflicting studies done on the effects of fluoxetine in pregnancy. Some of these studies showed that taking this medication while pregnant has little effect on a fetus. Other studies, however, showed that a mother who takes fluoxetine in pregnancy may be putting the fetus at risk of suffering from several medical problems.

One of the possible negative effects of fluoxetine in pregnancy is premature delivery. A small percentage of infants born to mothers who took this antidepressant in the late stages of their pregnancies were born too early. Low birth weight is another possible complication of taking this medication during pregnancy.

Some infants born to mothers who took fluoxetine in pregnancy might also be at risk of developing other medical problems. Studies have shown that these infants may be more likely to be hospitalized for respiratory or heart problems. They may also have trouble adapting to life outside the womb, and have feeding or digestion problems.

Since fluoxetine is transferred to a baby through a mother's breast milk, mothers who wish to breastfeed are usually advised not to take this medication. Pregnant or breastfeeding mothers should first talk to their doctors, however, before they stop taking this medication. Some side effects may occur when a person suddenly stops taking fluoxetine.