Posted by linkadge on July 11, 2008, at 10:28:32
In reply to Lexaprol and welbutrin mix during pregnancy, posted by Kevines on July 11, 2008, at 9:27:07
There are risks of course but I don't know if I can properly put them into perspective for you.
Antidepressants cross through to the baby during pregnancy. It is known that babies brains can become accustomed to the medication too. The baby can go through withdrawl after they are born. This can result in things like excessive crying, increased pain sensitivity etc. Basically, everything that your wife goes through in withdrawl the baby will experience. Some people discribe antidepressant withdrawl as "hell". I can't imagine putting a baby through hell as its first experiences in the world.
The SSRI's also increase the risk of certain malformations
Less well known is exactly how the drug will affect the development of the child. Antidepressants simply havn't been studied the way that other substances have. In my personal view, the baby is going to be exposed to elevated levels of monoamines during pregnancy and then all of a sudden wham their synapses which have been exposed to elevated levels of the neurotransmitters all of a sudden are in a state of deficiancy.
I'd personally get off both if possable. You may look into alternatives. The Omega-3 fatty acids have documented antidepressant effects. They are an option that would only serve to benifit the development of baby. SAMe is another option which would probably be safer during pregnancy.
I've heard that many of the hormones that are present during pregnancy can provide a mood elevating effect. The depression may not return like you'd expect.
Linkadge
poster:linkadge
thread:839242
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20080706/msgs/839247.html