Brief Answer:
Unfortunately, there is no 100% safe drug in pregnancy but there are some that have fewer side effects and are accepted options during pregnancy- details below

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thank you for being at 'Ask a Doctor' service. I carefully went through your query and here is my advice.

There are many medications that can be used for depression but among them, the safest to use during pregnancy is the so-called SSRI group of antidepressants. Unfortunately, there is no medication that is 100% safe during pregnancy, especially medications for depression.

Prozac is considered to be one of the safest medications to use in pregnancy for depression (please let me know in case you're on it for some other reasons). There is an SSRI drug that is not recommended (Paroxetine) to be used in pregnancy, the rest are considered an option to be used as they are not found to cause deformities or problems with the baby. The most likely side effects of SSRI are a higher risk for bleeding after birth, low weight baby and premature birth- these are very rare possible side effects.

To conclude:

-Unfortunately, there is no drug that is 100% safe during pregnancy, every drug used for any purpose has its risks on any patient and especially in pregnant women

-The safest drugs to treat depression in pregnancy are the SSRI drugs, and Prozac is in this class and is considered a good option to treat depression in pregnancy. Other SSRI drugs that can be used cautiously under supervision are Citalopram and Sertraline.

-Other measures during this time would be counseling and psychotherapy and also keeping active and exercising regularly, avoiding alcohol, if at all do (this is very important for a healthy pregnancy as well) and avoiding smoking, doing activities you enjoy and spending quality time with friends and family.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj,
General & Family Physician

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