what is the rate of birth defects for pregnant women on anti depressants?
545385
have no idea. Never heard of that
554248
friend of mine takes celexa and on the rare occasions she drinks she has been fine, but each person is different. would talk to your doc first. always the safest bet.
101195
I have also been on Ritalin.  Its about 18 years now.  \n\nDO NOT TAKE IT IF YOU ARE PREGNANT. I have already discussed this with my doctor and you should not take it.\n\nIt may not cause birth defects but it can do other bad things.
764233
When I came off my antidepressants I did it over 6 months, gradually reducing the dose every couple of weeks.  I think your doctor was wrong to tell you to be treatment less for a week, but that is just my opinion.  Go back and see him and tell him how you feel!...;
1109623
Talk to your pharmacist and/or doctor, but this is what I found:\n\n"Phenylephrine or neosynephrine is in the FDA pregnancy category C."\n\nhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phenylephrine\n\n"Pregnancy Category C:  Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks."\n\nhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pregnancy_category
997976
you need to speak with a Dr.before you start any medication if you are considering a pregnancy. if you are having major problems in your life, why would to want to have a baby before you resolve your issues. please note a  lot of medications cause major complication to a developing fetus if they are taken during a pregnancy. you need to contact a Dr.  for both your sakes.
781183
Never feel guilty......  Does not help you or them!  Now you could test for any congenital defects if they are very severe like Down's syndrome or such.  As for more simple things... which are still complicated, like bipolar, schizophrenia and sorts, yes, that can be passed on.  But this information is available to us now, not back then.  Would I still have children, probably depending on how severe it is in the family.  However, my family have severe dyslexia.  Would I not want one of my children because of that, of course not.  I would become as knowledgeable as I could to make sure they have the best opportunities.  As for guilt mom, don't carry any, you can only live for tomorrow and can't change the past.  Don't let your children make you feel this way, they will not benefit from your weakness.  Good luck and remember, they are teens, they will become human beings once again once this age is passed.  Good luck!
327907
check with your dr regarding this issue, but you really need to take folic acid to prevent spinal defects at least one month before conceiving. try taking regular robitussin, it helps increase cervical fluid within the vagina which helps the sperm survive longer.
655255
I'm a doctor.\nFirst of all it is NOT a stupid question.  Far from it.  As a matter of fact, its a hot & controversial topic in medicine right now.\nSecondly, ALL doctors should go over any new medication with his/her patient.\n\nAbout prozac - this and all the other meds of its class (SSRIs) have come under scrutiny in the last couple years.  Despite the large benefit that these meds can do, some claim there is a small yet signifigant risk.  According to some highly disputed research, there is a SLIGHTLY higher risk of suicide in patients, esp younger patients, in the period briefly after starting the medication.  Its poorly understood, but if its true it may related to the increased motivation and decreased impulse control BEFORE the antidepressant effects have kicked in yet.  Some psychiatrists believe that the evidence is not strong and has not been able to be reproduced because it isnt true.\n\nWait a second, isnt this supposed to be an ANTI-depressant??!!  Yes, and that's part of the problem.  These meds are being given to a population of patients that are allready at high risk for suicide to begin with.  You can see why this is so controversial...\n\nThat being said, it shouldnt be forgotten that these meds (the SSRIs) have helped MILLIONS of people not only with depression, but also with other problems like OCDC like yourself.  As a matter of fact, these meds are so good that they've totally changed the practice of psychiatry today.  \n\nHOWEVER, if you do experience problems with the medication (or ANY other new medication for that matter) tell your doctor or somebody that can help RIGHT AWAY.  In that situation, your doctor should talk to you, and likely an alternative medication can be tried.\n\n\nI know this is very confusing.  I'm SORRY!  but you are not alone.  It is a controversial and unresolved issue for doctors as well.  Don't blame your parents, because they may have easily been totally unaware too.  PLEASE dont be afraid to ask your doctor these questions - PLEASE.
708
Genetic defects can occur randomly, but the mother getting sick or having an unhealthly lifestyle during pregnacy could also cause birth defects like deafness.
1002023
37 days I have good insurance, I felt like I was ready.  And about 1 out of 10 of you will go to or need to go to a psychiatric clinic.  There is no stigma about congenital heart defect so why the problem with something people are born with.  I have been promoted to editor from reporter at a newspaper before diagnosis.
352295
I cannot answer the effects of taking prescription meds during pregnancy, but here is some info on x-rays in the 1st trimester.  Obviously the risk is different depending on the type of x-ray (the dose):\n\nNo direct evidence confirms either cancer or birth defects from exposure to diagnostic x-rays, but scientists and physicians cautiously assume that there may be some effect even from low level exposure and estimate risk from those who have had very large exposures such as atomic blast victims.   http://www.permanente.net/homepage/kaiser/pages/c5758-40813.html\nThis site has specific information regarding different types of x-rays (chest x-ray, ct scans etc): \nIn the Rocky mountain areas of Colorado, New Mexico and Utah in USA, where the natural uranium content of the soil is very high and in the presence of higher high-altitude cosmic rays, fetus of pregnant women is exposed to dose equal to that of 150 chest x-rays or 1250 dental radiographs. In these places incidence of cancer is 35 per cent lower than USA national average.  http://www.indegene.com/gyn/Jour/indJour_GYSE_Sum_01-07-2001_1.asp
528676
Theres such risks for birth defects related to our chomosomes.  The statistic for a healthy 18 year old female to have a baby with 43 chormosomes instead of 42 ( Down's Syndrom ) is about one in ever 3000. But for anyone over 38 the stat goes up to like one in seven mothers are likely to have a baby with Down's Syndrome. So it just isnt safe any more, or i should say, it just isnt optimal..
104739
Zoloft or prozac would be two good medications. But i would talk to a doctor and let them decide. It depends on how postpartum is affecting a person.
735615
I was prescribed propranolol during both of my pregnancies to combat tachycardia (fancy word for rapid pulse).  I took a pretty high dosage of it for 6 out of 9 months of pregnancy for each kid (two kids), and I can't honestly say it made me forget a darned thing.
1044627
Your friend is right. There are many people out there on anti-depressants and just as many more who SHOULD be but won't. I have been on them on and off since I was about 23 and I am 32 now. I am getting ready to go back on shortly and I will be taking Celexa. It isn't a sign of weakness it is a sign of strength to admit you have a problem with depression and seek the help you need. Depression is a disease, like diabetes or cancer, and you have to seek medical treatment to get better . End of story.
14618
It depends on the cause of the defect.  Your children might get it only if it's caused by a genetic defect.  If it's caused by a development problem in the womb, then probably not.