Prenatal antidepressant drug use linked to 600 percent increase in life-threatening lung disorder in newborns

The study, published in the Feb. 9 issue of NEJM, found that the babies suffering from the lung disorder known as persistent pulmonary hypertention cannot get enough oxygen into their bloodstreams because of high pressure in the blood vessels of their lungs, apparently brought on by their mother's use of antidepressants during pregnancy. One in 1,000 newborns typically develops the disorder shortly after birth.

The study has led the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to call for manufacturers of antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) -- including Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft and Lexapro -- to include information on the risks of the lung disorder on the drugs' labels.

The NEJM study has left many women who take SSRIs confused as to whether or not to stop taking their antidepressants during pregnancy, since the study was published only days after the Journal of the American Medical Association released a report detailing the risks of a depression relapse in women who choose to stop taking prescription antidepressants during pregnancy.

FDA spokeswoman Susan Bro says, "It is important to emphasize that the FDA recommends that women who are expecting and currently taking antidepressants should not discontinue use without first talking with a doctor."

Safe alternatives to antidepressants can be found through natural health alternatives, including the herbs St. John's wort, lemon balm and Abizzia bark, as well as foods such as oily fish, oats and cabbage. However, women should always consult a qualified medical professional prior to making health decisions, especially during pregnancy.

In addition to this newly-discovered health risk to newborns, antidepressant drugs have recently been found to radically interfere with blood sugar metabolism, heightening the risk of blood sugar disorders and type-2 diabetes in patients.

###

Related Articles

Additional Resources: antidepressants antidepressant drug pregnancy	Take Action: Support NaturalNews.com Email this article to a friend Share this article on: NewsVine | digg | del.icio.us Permalink to this article: http://www.NaturalNews.com/019709.html Reprinting this article: Non-commercial OK, cite NaturalNews.com with clickable link. <a href = "http://www.NaturalNews.com/019709.html">Prenatal antidepressant drug use linked to 600 percent increase in life-threatening lung disorder in newborns</a>
Receive our Natural Health Newsletter for FREE Subscribe now (it's free!) to win. We randomly choose a subscriber each month to send $100 in eco-home products or a RealGoods.com gift certificate (our choice). Plus, you'll receive FREE news, articles and action alerts from NaturalNews.com editors and join over 800,000 monthly readers who report extraordinary health improvements after becoming a subscriber! Receive breaking news alerts on natural health solutions, renewable energy, the environment, global warming and more. Receive a free instant download of our $29 Secret Sources guide that reveals top sources for little-known health and diet solutions.	Your Email Address: Free Subscription Code: Enter the numbers you see: 100% free of charge. Unsubscribe anytime. Absolutely no spam. We respect your email privacy.
Recommended Special Report: Seven Words that can Change the World by Joseph R. Simonetta Read this special report now... "Seven Words That Can Change the World reveals the astonishing, simple truths that have the power to forever transform our world for the better while freeing our minds from the enslavement of limiting beliefs. This is not a text for the simple-minded; it is a guiding philosophy for the mindful, intelligent few who are wise enough to seek out -- and recognize -- the higher simplicities of truly purposeful living." - Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, editor of NaturalNews.com	More on NaturalNews.com: • Streaming Health Ranger Videos • CounterThink Cartoons • FREE Special Reports • Podcasts