Continuation of psychiatric medications during pregnancy. (31st December 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Logue, Teresa C.; Wen, Timothy; Huang, Yongmei; Wright, Jason D.; D'Alton, Mary E.; Friedman, Alexander M.
• Is Part Of: Journal of maternal-fetal & neonatal medicine. Volume 36:Number 1(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-12-31
• Subjects: Mental health conditions -- maternal depression -- antidepressants during pregnancy -- pharmacoepidemiology -- benzodiazepines; Obstetrics -- Periodicals; Perinatology -- Periodicals; Infants (Newborn) -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Neonatology -- Periodicals; 618.2
• DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2023.2171288
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1476-7058

Abstract

Abstract: Background: While medications for anxiety and depression are commonly used in the United States, it is unclear to what degree they are continued during pregnancy. Methods: We used a large administrative database to determine whether psychiatric medications are continued during pregnancy and predictors of continued medication treatment. Results: Of 2, 672, 656 women included in our analysis, 86, 454 (3.1%) filled a pre-pregnancy prescription for an anxiolytic or antidepressant medication within 3 months of estimated conception. Of women who filled a pre-pregnancy prescription, 49.4%, 26.1%, and 20.1% filled subsequent prescriptions in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd trimesters. Discontinuation rates ranged by pharmaceutical agent, from 16% for fluoxetine to 71% for alprazolam. White women and women over 25 were more likely to continue anxiolytic and antidepressant treatment during pregnancy. Conclusion: Because untreated and under-treated mental health conditions are linked to adverse maternal outcomes, high discontinuation rates may have important implications for maternal health.