Psych Drugs Linked to Birth Defects

A Danish study claims it has discovered a link between psychotropic drugs such as Ritalin, Prozac, and Haldol with birth defects in children. The study conducted at the University of Copenhagen found 429 adverse reactions in children whose mothers had taken some form of these drugs.

“A range of serious side effects such as birth deformities, low birth weight, premature birth, and development of neonatal withdrawal syndrome were reported in children under 2 years of age, most likely because of the mother’s intake of psychotropic medication during pregnancy,” said Lise Aagaard, a researcher at the University of Copenhagen.

Another study not associated with the Copenhagen research found that antidepressants taken during pregnancy may lead to a 68% increase in miscarriages.

Holly Haines