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Risks and Side Effects
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studies have been done on the effects of SSRIs on developing fe-
tuses. Some researchers are currently studying antidepressant use
during pregnancy, but no conclusions have been reached. The risks
must be discussed with the physician. However, some studies have
been done on the effect of SSRIs on breastfeeding, and the drug was
found to pass to a baby through breast milk.
One problem that is often overlooked in treatment with anti-
depressants is withdrawal symptoms. Just as most people should
gradually increase their dose when they are beginning an antide-
pressant, they should also gradually decrease their dose when they
are going off it. A discontinuation syndrome is associated with ter-
minating the use of antidepressants. Some of the symptoms include
dizziness, stomach problems, sleep disturbances, nightmares, anxi-
ety, irritability, numbness, or other unusual sensations. Because the
symptoms can be signs of other diseases as well, misdiagnosis is
If a nursing mother is taking an SSRI, the drug will pass through
her milk to the baby.