Need Information About Antidepressents/antianxiety Meds at Conception

Updated on December 11, 2009
A.K. asks from South San Francisco, CA
7 answers

It’s well known that taking drugs classified as SSRIs while pregnant can cause birth defects but does anyone know of any problems when the father is the one on the drug at the time of conception? My partner was put on Celexa after an accident at work caused a sever anxiety disorder. He’s doing so much better now that we’ve started talking about having another child. He’s worried however about what his medication might do to the baby. Drug companies are only starting to understand that drugs taken by men can cause birth defects in their children and for this particular class of drugs the research just isn’t there. So I was hoping to hear from anyone who conceived a child while their partner was on any antidepressant or antianxiety medication. So if this is you, or a friend, please let me know how things went.

Thank you,

A.

1 mom found this helpful

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So What Happened?

Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences with these drugs or provided me with resources to get more information. I was able to find 3 studies about the medications he’s on and what effects they may have (one of the many advantages of working at a hospital is that I got the complete journal articles from our medical library). Turns out that the Celexa can cause DNA fragmentation. If you think about DNA as a ladder, fragmentation is when there are broken rungs in the ladder. Turns out this is a fatal flaw meaning that the resulting embryo either won’t implant or will spontaneously abort early in the pregnancy. Not great news but at least it won’t cause serious birth defects. There is another drug he’s on, Clonazepam, that I forgot to include in my original post. Clonazepam reduces the folate levels in the developing sperm which can cause an increase or decrease in the number of chromosomes in the sperm. This can cause downs syndrome, other trisomies and misscarrage. The rates are very low but it’s still scary. The good news is that it looks like both of these drugs effects can be off set with vitamin supplementation. C and E (which he already takes) for the Celexa and Folic Acid for the Clonazepam. So he’s going to go on my pre-natal vitamins for now and we’re going to take the information we found into a genetic counselor in the New Year. Hopefully we’ll be able to start trying for number 2 this spring. Oh and for everyone who suggested that we wait until he comes off the drugs, that may never be an option which is why it is so important that we are fully informed about what we’re dealing with.

More Answers

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K.J.

answers from Sacramento on

I think it is an important questions to ask. However, SSRIs, even when taken by women throughout the pregnancy, do NOT typically lead to any birth defects. Most babies born to women who take SSRIs are perfectly healthy. Many SSRIs have been well-studied in pregnancy. In addition, it IS well known that untreated maternal depression has a negative effect on a baby's development. So, there is a balance that must be acheived, and that is specific to each individual. For questions of this nature, go to the OTIS website (Organization of Teratogen Information Services). They have written information and phone #s you can call to speak with experts. It's very helpful. Good luck!

2 moms found this helpful
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M.P.

answers from Modesto on

Actally, both my husband and I were on anti-depresents when we concieved and we having a perfect, beautiful, healthy baby boy.

But you should talk to your Dr if you're concerned. The advice you get here is just an opinion. Much safer and smarter to go with the drs advice.

1 mom found this helpful
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C.L.

answers from Sacramento on

This drug has a large number of side effects. Why don't you give your husband more time to come off the drug since you are 31 and don't have to rush. Some fathers get post-baby depression as well so that is another reason to give him more time.

G.M.

answers from Modesto on

My gut says that chemicals in either of the parents may contribute to unforseen problems when creating another life. Some of which will not come to fruition until they child is older.
Best to remove all doubt and be free of chemicals prior to conception.

C.C.

answers from Fresno on

I was on Zoloft while pregnant and nursing, and was assured by my OBGYN that it has been well studied for a long time and is pretty safe (safer than eating a tuna sandwich, for instance!). Indeed, my little girl just skipped a grade at school, and is as beautiful as she can be!

I really don't think you have anything to worry about, since you weren't even the one taking the meds. The risk when the mother is taking the SSRIs is small, and I would imagine the effect when the father is taking them is miniscule, if it matters at all.

J.S.

answers from San Francisco on

I think you and your husband should talk to your doctors and/or a counselor before doing anything different with a medication that has been working for him. Making a baby, carrying a baby, having a baby and being the parent of a very small baby is pretty intense stuff physically and emotionally. Good luck!

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N.A.

answers from San Francisco on

Hi A. K,

There is a better way to get healthy with out taking medicines.

There is a company that address the wellness home.

If you are interested to learn more let me know.

Have a Happy Holiday.

N. Marie

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