Khaberni - The drug "Prozac," used to treat depression and anxiety, may be associated with long-term abnormalities in the brains of children whose mothers take it during pregnancy, according to a study conducted by scientists from Italy and Finland on animals.
The researchers pointed out that the fetal brain develops according to a specific timeline, and if this process is disrupted, it could lead to a developmental stage being too early or too late, ultimately affecting the brain's structure and function.
This disruption in the timing of brain connections during key growth periods can create vulnerabilities that may lead to mental or neurological disorders, even if symptoms don't appear until later in life.
According to "Daily Mail," the study found that male mice exposed to the drug in the womb and female mice exposed through their mothers' milk also experienced changes in the genes that control critical periods of brain development, leading to an increased risk of neurological and psychological conditions later.
Memory and Emotion Regulation
The researchers noted that the strongest effect of the drug was in the hippocampus, the central part of the brain involved in memory and emotion regulation. This could explain why individuals exposed to it might later suffer from memory and mood problems.
Potential Effects on Children
The researchers said, "Newborns who are exposed to Prozac in the womb may suffer from temporary withdrawal symptoms, such as agitation and breathing difficulties, and face a slightly higher risk of premature birth, low birth weight, and potential heart problems."
However, the researchers emphasized that these findings, although concerning, need to be confirmed in human studies before they can impact medical guidelines.
