SSRI's

One group of medicines is called the SSRI's (serotonin re-uptake inhibitors). SSRI's act to increase the amount of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is thought to control appetite, sleep and mood. Abnormally low levels of serotonin disturb these bodily functions.

Prozac^®, Paxil^®, Zoloft^® and Celexa^TM are the best known medicines in the SSRI class. These agents appear safe in pregnancy and during nursing. They do not increase the risk of congenital anomalies, difficulty with delivery, or the infant's development.