Comment from E Smith
AnonymousSupportIndividual
Summary: The commenter, a patient of a healthcare provider, supports the petition for warning labels on SSRIs based on personal experience with the medication during pregnancy. They argue that the drugs can have significant effects on fetal development and children's health.
I am a patient of Kelli Foulkrod’s, and I fully support this petition for warning labels for SSRI. Like many, I was prescribed an SSRI (Escitalopram) in my twenties, for anxiety. This was prescribed by a Gynecologist, who then referred me to my general practitioner. I attempted to get off prior to having a child, but was unsuccessful, so I took the medicine (20mg) during my pregnancy. My child was born healthy, but around preschool, it was noticed that she had speech and occupational issues that required therapy. Later, she was diagnosed with ADHD-Inattentive type. I wish I had known the risks involved for my child, and had I had better guidance in getting off. The studies are shocking at how these drugs affect our minds and the development of our children in the womb. Please consider this petition carefully and think of those of us who have lived experiences related to these drugs. They are mind-altering and not always in the best way. Thank you.