Medications during pregnancy

Karen Schaefer

It is generally recommended that medications should be discontinued during pregnancy where possible. NSAIDS and opioids, including tramadol, should not be used during pregnancy. Acetaminophen does seem to be relatively safe during pregnancy. The use of TCA type antidepressants - Tofranil (Imipramine), Elavil (Amitriptyline), Endep (Amitriptyline), Aventyl (Nortriptyline), Zyban (Bupropion), Norpramin (Desipramine), Desyrel (Trazodone), Sinequan (Doxepin), Asendin (Amoxapine), Dothep (Dothiepin), Prothiaden (Dothiepin) and Anafranil (Clomipramine) – have not been associated with any significant problems in pregnancy, but may interfere with labour and should be discontinued about a week prior to due date. Many medications are excreted in breast milk and you should check these out with your doctor.

The American Academy of Pediatrics provides this information about common medications:

Usually Safe
Acetaminophen
Most nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), including ibuprofen
Codeine
Tetracycline
Amoxicillin
Insulin
Thyroid medications
Lidocaine
Prednisone
Most antihistamines

Use With Caution
Prozac
Antianxiety drugs (like Xanax and Valium)

Avoid
Recreational drugs (like marijuana and cocaine)
Radioactive drugs (such as radioactive iodine, used to treat thyroid disorders)
Anticancer drugs
Ergotamine (for migraines)
Aspirin
Lithium