Phenelzine use throughout pregnancy and the puerperium: Case report, review of the literature, and management recommendations

Barbara L. Gracious*, Katherine L. Wisner

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

38 Scopus citations

Abstract

Little is known about the use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) during pregnancy and the postpartum period. We present a literature review with what we believe is the second case report of phenelzine exposure throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period. Potential indications for use and principles of the clinical management of the pregnant patient treated with an MAOI are also discussed and include: documenting informed consent, MAOI dose adjusting during pregnancy, monitoring of maternal and fetal outcome, and appropriate analgesia and anesthesia daring labor and delivery. Our patient tolerated phenelzine well throughout her pregnancy but experienced recurring depressive symptoms during periods of significant weight gain requiring dose adjustment. Labor, delivery, and the perinatal period progressed without complication for our patient and her infant, in whom no congenital malformation was detected. Additional case reports and animal studies of MAOI use during gestation may help determine safety and refine clinical management guidelines.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)124-128
Number of pages5
JournalDepression and anxiety
Volume6
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 1997

Keywords

  • Anesthesia
  • Labor and delivery
  • Major depression
  • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
  • Phenelzine
  • Pregnancy

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Psychology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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