Is Prozac Safe During Pregnancy

Reason

Use only if benefits outweigh risks. Late-pregnancy exposure can affect the newborn; do not stop without provider advice.

Drug Information

Brand Name

Prozac

Generic Name

fluoxetine

Drug Class

SSRI antidepressant

FDA Category

N/A (PLLR narrative label)

Rx Status

prescription

Safe Amount

Dosage must be determined by your provider based on individual risk/benefit.

Effects

Pregnancy

Some reports link SSRI use with preterm birth or low birth weight, but untreated depression also raises pregnancy risks.

Mother

May help treat depression/anxiety. Stopping suddenly can cause relapse or worsening symptoms.

Baby

Possible higher chance of newborn adaptation problems after late pregnancy exposure, and possible PPHN risk with SSRI use in the second half of pregnancy. No proven increased birth-defect risk overall.

Trimester Notes

1st Trimester

No proven increased chance of birth defects directly related to fluoxetine, but some official labeling notes possible cardiovascular defect risk.

2nd Trimester

Use only if needed; discuss benefits and risks with your prescriber. Some SSRI-related pregnancy risks are reported later in pregnancy.

3rd Trimester

Late pregnancy use may lead to newborn breathing, feeding, jitteriness, or temperature problems; monitor the baby after birth.

Risk-Benefit Note

For depression and anxiety, the decision is based on symptom control versus pregnancy and newborn risks. Stopping antidepressants can cause relapse; untreated illness also carries risks.

Conditions & Warnings

• Consult OB/GYN or prescriber
• Do not stop suddenly without provider guidance
• Newborn monitoring may be needed if used late in pregnancy
• Untreated depression/anxiety can also harm pregnancy outcomes

Alternatives

• Talk therapy/counseling
• Other antidepressant options only if your prescriber recommends them
• Non-drug support plans such as sleep, social support, and close follow-up

References

• FDA Prozac label
  https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/018936s108lbl.pdf
• FDA Prozac label update
  https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/nda/2011/021235Orig1s016.pdf
• MotherToBaby Fluoxetine Fact Sheet
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK582711/
• ACOG Statement on SSRIs During Pregnancy
  https://www.acog.org/news/news-releases/2025/07/statement-on-benefit-of-access-to-ssris-during-pregnancy