AccScience Publishing / JCBP / Online First / DOI: 10.36922/jcbp.2978
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PERSPECTIVE ARTICLE

Reviewing the art of safe prescription practices: A checklist for the use of psychotropic drugs during pregnancy

Kirk Lehman1* Emeil Aroney1
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1 Bond University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Submitted: 20 February 2024 | Accepted: 21 March 2024 | Published: 3 April 2024
© 2024 by the Author (s). This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ )
Abstract

Half of the women diagnosed with a mental health condition requiring regular medication have previously given birth to children. A dilemma arises when deciding whether to continue medication to treat the mother’s illness or potentially cease or replace medication in the interests of their child. This study endeavors to examine the challenges associated with prescribing psychotropic medications to pregnant women experiencing mental health disorders. Its primary objective is to furnish a checklist delineating essential considerations for prescribers in such cases. The investigation underscores the pivotal equilibrium required in addressing the mental health of the mother while mitigating risks to the developing fetus. The paper delves into the nuances of decision-making within this framework, highlighting the importance of a collaborative health-care approach coupled with personalized treatment strategies. These strategies may encompass modifications in medication regimens and the incorporation of non-pharmacological interventions. The prescription of psychotropic medications to pregnant women with mental health conditions presents complex challenges and demands consideration. Striking a critical balance is imperative, as it entails managing the mother’s mental health while minimizing potential risks to the developing fetus. The decision-making process is nuanced, influenced by factors such as the teratogenic potential of specific medications, the risk of neonatal withdrawal syndrome, and the potential for adverse outcomes in maternal and fetal health if psychiatric conditions remain untreated. Pre-conception counseling and maternal-fetal medicine services are beneficial tools in navigating this balance. Predictors of the necessity for medication during pregnancy include the patient’s diagnosis, severity of prior episodes, and responsiveness to treatment. The dynamic landscape of pharmaceutical research underscores the importance for prescribers to actively engage with evolving literature, ensuring the provision of accurate and up-to-date advice. Effective shared decision-making is of paramount significance in instilling confidence and assuring the patient.

Keywords
Psychotropic medication
Pregnancy
Prescribing
Prescribing safely
Checklist
Funding
None.
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Conflict of interest
The authors declare that they have no competing interests.
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Journal of Clinical and Basic Psychosomatics, Electronic ISSN: 2972-4414 Published by AccScience Publishing