Do SSRIs Cause Birth Defects?

Two large case-control studies indicate a few very small increases in risks for particular defects.

Earlier studies reported that use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) —especially paroxetine — during early pregnancy increases the incidence of cardiovascular birth defects markedly. Now, two large ongoing case-control studies challenge these findings.

Investigators from the U.S. and Canada identified 9622 infants with major birth defects, and 4092 controls without such defects, born between 1997 and 2002. No significant association was found between SSRI use in early pregnancy and congenital heart defects. However, there were small absolute increases in risks for anencephaly, craniosynostosis, and omphalocele with SSRI use, and all these risks — as well as the risk for ventricular outflow tract lesions — were increased most …

Reviewing Author

Robert W. Rebar, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardMyovant Sciences, Inc.

Editorial BoardsEndoText; Clinical OB/GYN Alert

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society for Reproductive Medicine (Member, Ethics Committee)

Robert W. Rebar, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardMyovant Sciences, Inc.

Editorial BoardsEndoText; Clinical OB/GYN Alert

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society for Reproductive Medicine (Member, Ethics Committee)

Do SSRIs Cause Birth Defects?

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Reviewing Author