The use of psychotropic drugs in pregnancy and lactation.

The decision to use drugs during pregnancy can be complicated by many factors. The concerns of congenital malformation, the effects of drugs during labour, withdrawal effects on the newborn, and the exposure of the breast-fed newborn to drugs are some of the issues every physician is faced with when treating a pregnant woman. Drugs should be used during pregnancy only in situations where anticipated benefits far outweigh the possible risks. Approximately 20%-30% of women of childbearing age reportedly use antidepressants. It is absolutely essential that physicians know the effects of psychotropics on pregnancy and lactation before they issue a prescription. In this paper I have reviewed the effects of different classes of psychotropics on women during pregnancy and lactation.