The reproductive toxicology of paroxetine

Depression in Women: Implications for Health Care Research

“…The effect of these medications on the human fetus cannot be investigated during premarketing experimental studies (26). Thus, data on abnormalities in fetal behavior and neurodevelopment must be based on observations of pregnant women who have inadvertently taken antidepressants or other psychotropic drugs (27)(28)(29)(30). No published studies provide information on the long-term effects of in utero exposure to psychotropic drugs.…”

Paroxetine exposure during pregnancy and cardiac malformations

“…Experiment: Studies in rats and rabbits used for registration showed no increase in cardiovascular or any other malformation (summarized by Baldwin et al, 1989). Treatment of pregnant mice with paroxetine did not result in a decrease in pup viability to postnatal day 5, when litters were standardized, and did not affect achievement of developmental milestones or reproduction in the offspring (Rayburn et al, 2000).…”

Are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors cardiac teratogens? Echocardiographic screening of newborns with persistent heart murmur

“…In preclinical animal teratologic studies, rat fetuses exposed to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) showed only minimal developmental effects, even at toxic dosages (Baldwin et al,1989). Similar findings were noted in rabbits using the highest dose that could be assessed (Baldwin et al,1989).…”

“…In preclinical animal teratologic studies, rat fetuses exposed to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) showed only minimal developmental effects, even at toxic dosages (Baldwin et al,1989). Similar findings were noted in rabbits using the highest dose that could be assessed (Baldwin et al,1989). In addition, until 2005, various studies on infants with in utero exposure to SSRIs did not suggest an increased risk for major congenital malformations (Hallberg and Sjoblom,2005).…”