Hello, doctor,My wife is 7 months pregnant. Since last 3 1/2 years she is taking anti-depressants. During that tenure, thrice she was on the verge of coming out of medication but treatment was re-started after she again started showing depression symptoms. The most recent symptoms shown before re-starting medicine were constant pain of left side of head and anxieties and crying. Currently she is taking Nexito Forte. I have two questions? Currently, she is putting on more weight than required... can it be because of this medicine and will it harm baby?.  and secondly, being on anti-depressants for so long ....will it impact my wifes health in long-term and will she ever come out of taking anti-depressants?
Hi, I do not feel that the excess weight gain is due to Next Forte as all SSRIs, including Escitalopram which is the main ingredient in Next Forte, are known to cause weight loss. In my opinion, you must check her thyroid status as hypothyroidism can cause both weight gain and recurrent depression. Please also see if she is taking a diet too rich in fats. Regarding your second question, being on antidepressants for a long time is not expected to have any deleterious effect on her health in the long term. Most patients are able to discontinue antidepressants and I expect she too will be able to do so, provided it is done properly and at the right time. Hope this helps you. Best wishes.