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Author: Admin | 2025-04-28
Pregnancy, schizophrenia can have devastating effects on the mother and child. Atypical antipsychotics have replaced typical agents as first-line therapy for psychotic disorders because these drugs are better tolerated and may be more effective in managing the negative symptoms of schizophrenia. The reproductive safety data on atypical antipsychotics are limited, but the use of olanzapine (Zyprexa), risperidone (Risperdal), quetiapine (Seroquel), and clozapine (Clozaril) has been associated with increased rates of low birth weight and therapeutic abortion. No long-term studies of children exposed to atypical antipsychotics during gestation have been conducted. Therefore, the routine use of these drugs during pregnancy and lactation is not recommended. Typical antipsychotics have a larger reproductive safety profile; no significant teratogenic effect has been documented with chlorpromazine (Thorazine), haloperidol (Haldol), or perphenazine (Trilafon). Doses of typical antipsychotics should be minimized during the peri-partum period to limit the necessity of using additional medications to manage extrapyramidal side effects. Data on antipsychotic use in breastfeeding women are limited. A small study of chlorpromazine use during breastfeeding showed no developmental deficits in children up to five years of age; however, a study of both chlorpromazine and haloperidol revealed developmental deficits in children 12 to 18 months of age.
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