To print: Select File and then Print from your browser's menu --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Title: Group Urges Pregnant Women on Prozac to Consult With Their Physician URL: http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/CCF2.htm Doctor's Guide October 2, 1996
CHICAGO, Oct. 2, 1996 -- Expressing concern that women may misinterpret the findings of a new study on Prozac use during pregnancy, the National Depressive and Manic Depressive Association (National DMDA) today urged women taking antidepressants -- including Prozac -- to stay on their medications. The study appeared in the October 3 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM). The National Depressive and Manic Depressive Association (National DMDA) is a national advocacy group representing the interests of people with clinical depression and manic depressive illness. "It is crucial that women currently taking any antidepressant medication, including Prozac, discuss this issue with their physician," said Donna DePaul Kelly, interim Executive Director of National DMDA. "Under no circumstances should someone discontinue their medication without the consent of their doctor." "While any woman who is pregnant should discuss all medications with her doctor, this study demonstrates that there is little cause for concern that women on Prozac during the first two trimesters will have an increased risk of birth defects," said Ms. Kelly. For women who took Prozac during their third trimester in the study, there was an increased risk for complications, most notably low birth weight and premature birth. "The National DMDA noted that the editorial accompanying the study in NEJM pointed out the preponderance of data which has supported the safety of Prozac use during pregnancy, consistent with the Prozac's labeling (that the drug should be taken during pregnancy only when clearly needed by the patient). "This study, along with the NEJM editorial commenting study is reassuring for women of childbearing age who are already being treated with Prozac," said Ms. DePaul Kelly, "or who may need to seek treatment for depression during their pregnancy." Women are twice as likely to experience clinical depression as men, and the first onset of depression often occurs during a woman's most productive years (age 18-44). Since one-half of all pregnancies in this nation are unplanned, there is always concern that any medication taken during the first trimester -- when a woman may not know she's pregnant -- can have an adverse effect on the development of the fetus. The National Depressive and Manic-Depressive Association (National DMDA) was founded in 1986 by and for persons with depressive illness and their families. Incorporated as a tax-exempt nonprofit corporation, National DMDA is guided by a 57-member Scientific Advisory Board and a 15-member Board of Directors. National DMDA, the nation's largest patient-directed, illness- specific organization, is dedicated to education, patients, families, physicians, mental health professionals and the general public concerning the nature and management of depressive disorders as treatable medical diseases; fostering self-help for patients and their families; eliminating discrimination and stigma; improving access to care; and advocating for research toward the eradication of depressive disorders. National DMDA has more than 275 local chapters worldwide that serve communities with support groups and other resources. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Copyright © 1999 P\S\L Consulting Group Inc. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of P\S\L content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of P\S\L. P\S\L shall not be liable for any errors, omissions or delays in this content or any other content on its sites, newsletters or other publications, nor for any decisions or actions taken in reliance on such content. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This news story was printed from *Doctor's Guide to the Internet* located at http://www.docguide.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return to News Story Page This site is maintained by webmaster@pslgroup.com Please contact us with any comments, problems or bugs. All contents Copyright (c) 1998 P\S\L Consulting Group Inc. All rights reserved.