Guideline No 60: Postnatal Depression and Puerperal Psychosis

Postnatal depression and puerperal psychosis
Update to printed guideline

27 November 2007

Section 4.4.2: Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors

Since publication of this guideline further evidence has emerged regarding an increased risk of cardiac defects in children of mothers who are taking paroxetine. This evidence will be fully taken into account in an update of this guideline, and until then where the use of an SSRI antidepressants is clinically appropriate an alternative to paroxetine should be used. Any decision for mothers currently on paroxetine to stop the drug should take full account of the recommendations in section 4.2.1 of this guideline. There is no change to the current recommendations in section 4.4.2 regarding women who are breast feeding.