Health News

What Should You Take When Pregnant?
The small amount of evidence available about medications and pregnancy makes it tough for women to make informed decisions. Fortunately, researchers are learning more all the time.
At Risk for Stroke?
Taking any medication requires patients to balance the risks and benefits of the drug. But these vary by person because every person is unique. Antidepressants, for example, affect different people in different ways.
Baby Language Linked to Mom’s Mood
One of the concerns about taking antidepressants while pregnant is the possible effects on the baby. Surprisingly, these medications may help a baby's language development.
Interferon and Depression
Depressive symptoms may be present in patients with hepatitis C before they begin treatment. But research suggests that the hepatitis C drug, interferon, also contributes to depression.
Warning Label Changes for Antidepressant
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) updated the warning labels on Celexa , an antidepressant. The new label warns against increased risk for changes in heart rhythms for some patients using higher doses of the drug.
Celexa and Risk of Arrhythmia
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is clarifying dosing and warning recommendations for the antidepressant Celexa ( citalopram hydrobromide ; also available in generic form).
Antidepressant Safety During Pregnancy
Much is still uncertain about what drugs are safe while pregnant, so deciding what to take or avoid may require a tradeoff. Such may be the case for a common group of antidepressants.
Antidepressants and Pregnancy: A Trade Off
Expectant mothers with depression or anxiety may debate whether to continue or cease taking their mood meds during pregnancy, and it appears their babies are likely affected either way.
Drug Safety Communication: SSRI use during pregnancy
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is updating the public on the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor ( SSRI ) antidepressants by women during pregnancy and the potential risk of a rare heart and lung condition known as persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn ( PPHN ).
FDA Drug Safety Communication: Celexa
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is informing healthcare professionals and patients that the antidepressant Celexa ( citalopram hydrobromide ; also marketed as generics) should no longer be used at doses greater than 40 mg per day because it can cause abnormal changes in the electrical activity of the heart. Studies did not show a benefit in the treatment of depression at doses higher than 40 mg per day.