Fda Warned The Public On Zoloft Causing Birth Defects
The US FDA released a warning regarding one of the most famous antidepressants used by consumers as it might cause birth defects. Zoloft (sertraline) has been connected to a number of birth defects especially when taken by the third trimester of pregnancy. Zoloft itself indicated in its website that women who are pregnant or are planning to be pregnant should consult their doctor before taking the antidepressant. A study that was published in New England Journal of Medicine around 2007 found out that women who took Zoloft had an increased chance of giving birth to babies with omphalocele, a type of birth defect. Doctors have been careful in prescribing the medication to pregnant women but some patients are reluctant in talking about depression to physicians hence the proper treatment cannot be given.
Pregnant Woman With Depression
In pregnancy, a lot of changes will take place in a womans life. This is a time where she must be conscious of the things she eat, the medications she take and the activities she engage in. Plenty of factors are to be considered since she is also after the health of her baby. The aim is to make her pregnancy as healthy as possible. However, for those diagnosed with major depression before or during pregnancy, the pregnancy is put to risk. The condition in itself can be detrimental to her babys health but more so the treatments for her pre-existing illness. Depression is primarily managed with antidepressants but studies have shown its association with birth defects. Other treatment modalities such as psychotherapy and hypnosis can be alternatives to these medications but other physicians would insist that it would be better if these treatments will serve as adjunct therapy to the medications. Stopping the drug abruptly for women taking it prior to being pregnant is also not advisable as withdrawal symtoms can occur.
Pregnant Women and Use of Zoloft
Zoloft is an antidepressant belonging to the SSRI drug class. It was given a Pregnancy Category C classification by the FDA and is reportedly the safest among the antidepressants available. However, with researches mentioning Zoloft birth defects such as clefts lip and palate, heart problems and neural tube defects among others, physicians are now more careful in prescribing the drug.
Pregnant Woman With Depression
In pregnancy, a lot of changes will take place in a womans life. This is a time where she must be conscious of the things she eat, the medications she take and the activities she engage in. Plenty of factors are to be considered since she is also after the health of her baby. The aim is to make her pregnancy as healthy as possible. However, for those diagnosed with major depression before or during pregnancy, the pregnancy is put to risk. The condition in itself can be detrimental to her babys health but more so the treatments for her pre-existing illness. Depression is primarily managed with antidepressants but studies have shown its association with birth defects. Other treatment modalities such as psychotherapy and hypnosis can be alternatives to these medications but other physicians would insist that it would be better if these treatments will serve as adjunct therapy to the medications. Stopping the drug abruptly for women taking it prior to being pregnant is also not advisable as withdrawal symtoms can occur.
Pregnant Women and Use of Zoloft
Zoloft is an antidepressant belonging to the SSRI drug class. It was given a Pregnancy Category C classification by the FDA and is reportedly the safest among the antidepressants available. However, with researches mentioning Zoloft birth defects such as clefts lip and palate, heart problems and neural tube defects among others, physicians are now more careful in prescribing the drug.
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