A recent FDA panel discussion on the use of antidepressants during pregnancy has sparked concern among healthcare professionals and experts, who claim that the panel spread misinformation about the drugs’ safety.
The panel, comprising mostly critics of antidepressant use, presented studies with flawed controls and made inaccurate statements about the risks associated with SSRIs. The findings were also not considered in relation to the risks of untreated depression, which can lead to poor outcomes for children and mothers.
In contrast, a specialist in maternal mood disorders argued that SSRIs are a safe treatment option for serious mental health disorders in pregnancy. She emphasized that treating mental illness is not a luxury but a necessity for pregnant women.
Healthcare professionals expressed frustration with the FDA’s approach, stating that the panel’s findings would reinstill fear and stigma surrounding antidepressant use during pregnancy, leading to potential loss of life.
In reality, studies have consistently found that SSRIs are significantly better than placebos at alleviating symptoms of depression. The drugs do not work for all people with major depression, but they have been shown to be beneficial if used under stress, anxiety, or depression.
The FDA’s approach has raised concerns among experts, who warn that the panel’s findings could prevent women from getting the care they need.
Source: https://www.latimes.com/science/story/2025-07-23/fda-panel-on-ssri-antidepressants-in-pregnancy-raises-alarms