Study: SSRIs Associated with Miscarriage Risk

According to Canadian researchers, taking the antidepressants Paxil and Effexor may increase the chance of miscarriage in pregnant women up to the 20^th week of gestation.

In its May 31 issue, the Canadian Medical Association Journal announced the findings of a study conducted by the University of Montreal. Specifically, the research shows that pregnant women taking the drugs have a 68% increased risk of spontaneous abortion, or miscarriage.

The researchers are quick to point out that there is still much to be learned from further research; they emphasized that although an association exists, the relationship may not be causal.   In fact, the researchers noted that of the miscarriages, they are not sure if depression was the actual factor contributing to risk, rather than the drugs themselves (Businessweek).

The team, led by associate professor Anick Berard of the University of Montreal, analyzed data on over 5,000 women from Quebec who had clinically verified miscarriages before the 20^th week, and compared them with a control sample of women who did not miscarry.  5.5% of those who miscarried were taking antidepressants when the miscarriages occurred.

Prior studies on the effect of antidepressants and pregnancy have been inconclusive; in this instance, however, researchers controlled for other risk factors usually associated with miscarriage.

Paxil and Effexor are from a class of antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRSIs.   These drugs work to alleviate depression by preventing some serotonin from being absorbed by certain nerve cells in the brain, leaving more serotonin in the brain itself (newsinferno.com).

Researchers urge pregnant women to discuss therapy options with their physicians, as abruptly ending an SSRI during pregnancy may cause a relapse in depression, putting mother and baby both at risk.