[SSRI during pregnancy and risk of fetal neurotoxicity. Follow precautions and look for other therapeutic alternatives].

Fetal exposure to SSRI are associated to transient toxic symptoms of the neonates, likely to be an expression of excess serotonin activity in the CNS. The neonatal toxicity of SSRI raise the issue of behavioural teratogenicity due to fetal exposure to SSRIs. The current body of knowledge concerning SSRIs exposure during fetal CNS development, through interference with the neurotransmittors serotonin and GABA, and behavioural teratogenicity is still inadequate. Subtle long-term effects have been reported. While awaiting new findings, physicians are advised to look for alternatives to SSRIs whenever possible during the second and third trimester.