Autism and Antidepressants

After my recent blog post, a reader asked what medications I was taking that affected my children's development.  I promised to provide additional information regarding the relationship of antidepressants and autism.  There is conflicting information and research relating to this topic.  Some researchers believe it is actually the predisposition to depression that is the true connection.   However, I am not fully convinced, but I will let you decide for yourself by providing the information  available. 

Keep in mind as you read, maybe the medications used in the study are a factor in the results.

Again,  it is my belief that there is no coincidence that if a brand name antidepressant shows a link to autism, then more than likely so does the generic.

Studies demonstrating a link ....

http://parenting.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/04/22/study-links-autism-with-antidepressant-use-during-pregnancy/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_r=0

http://www.baumhedlundlaw.com/drug-injury/antidepressants-and-autism.php

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/Autism/antidepressant-linked-autism-study/story?id=13989498

http://psychnews.psychiatryonline.org/newsArticle.aspx?articleid=1695386



Does not cause Autism....

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/12/20/antidepressants-taken-during-pregnancy-dont-cause-autism-study_n_4480792.html

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_142851.html

http://psychcentral.com/news/2013/11/24/study-finds-antidepressants-in-pregnancy-not-tied-to-higher-autism-risk/62442.html


I was taking the generic form of Effexor, which I believe to have caused my son's autism.  Here is more information about it . 

This excerpt was found on the following website http://www.schmidtandclark.com/effexor, 

"Effexor and AutismA June 2011 study published in the Archives of General Psychiatry found a strong correlation between autism birth defects and antidepressants like Effexor. The study involved 298 children diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and found that women who took an SSRI antidepressant while pregnant were twice as likely to give birth to a child with an ASD than mothers who did not. The scientists who conducted the study have advised doctors and patients to carefully weigh the benefits vs. risks of taking antidepressants carefully before beginning a regiment.

Known Effexor Side Effects

• Withdrawal

• Birth Defects

• Congenital Heart Defects, Atrial or Ventricular Septal Defects (hole in heart)

• Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN)

• Abdominal Birth Defects / Omphalocele

• Cranial Birth Defects / Craniosynostosis

I will continue to provide additional information on this topic in the near future.  Hope this helps!