Can Wellbutrin be taken during pregnancy?

Published by Charlie Davidson on

Can Wellbutrin be taken during pregnancy?

Bupropion (Wellbutrin). Although bupropion isn’t generally considered a first line treatment for depression during pregnancy, it might be an option for women who haven’t responded to other medications. Research suggests that taking bupropion during pregnancy might be associated with miscarriage or heart defects.

Can Wellbutrin cause birth defects?

The largest of these studies included data from the Bupropion Pregnancy Registry which reported the outcomes of 675 pregnancies with first-trimester bupropion exposure. The rate of birth defects was 3.6%, which is comparable to rates observed in the general population rate.

What is pregnancy Category C mean?

Category C. “Either studies in animals have revealed adverse effects on the fetus (teratogenic or embryocidal or other) and there are no controlled studies in women or studies in women and animals are not available. Drugs should be given only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.”

Does bupropion cause miscarriage?

Can taking bupropion in pregnancy cause miscarriage? Only one small study has investigated risk of miscarriage. The results of this study, in which women were taking bupropion as an antidepressant, do not prove that bupropion use in pregnancy causes miscarriage.

Can you breastfeed while on Wellbutrin?

Can I breastfeed while taking bupropion? Bupropion is found in breast milk. When a mother takes bupropion only a small amount reaches the baby (0.11% – 1.99%). Breastfeeding while taking bupropion should not be harmful for most babies.

Is Category C safe for pregnancy?

Category C: Studies in animals have revealed adverse effects on the fetus and there are no controlled studies in women, or studies in women and animals are not available. Drugs from this class can be given to pregnant women if the benefit to the mother outweighs the risk to the fetus.

Is Wellbutrin during pregnancy a safe bet?

Wellbutrin during pregnancy can also increase the chances of miscarriage as has been observed. Although it is much lower than background rate for miscarriage, it is still not worth the risk . Use of this medication doesn’t increase the chances for birth defects, although rarely heart defects have been observed in the new born child.

Can Wellbutrin affect getting pregnant?

Effects on Pregnancy: There have been no reports of negative side effects on pregnancy or the fetus in mothers taking Wellbutrin during pregnancy, but at least one animal study did result in fetal malformations.

What category is Wellbutrin?

Wellbutrin and other drugs of its kind (generically known as bupropion), fall under the antidepressant medicine category. It is commonly used to treat depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

Is Wellbutrin a SSRI?

Some researchers believe that the drug affects serotonin, the neurotransmitter, and increase its level. Serotonin is a feel-good chemical that treats mental disorders. SSRIs are controversial due to their side effects. Wellbutrin is not an SSRI. It’s a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI).

Categories: Helpful tips