Question

a pregnant woman in her first trimester is diagnosed with major depressive disorder. which of the following medications is considered the safest option during pregnancy? paroxetine lithium fluoxetine valproate

Explanation:

To determine the safest antidepressant for a pregnant woman in the first trimester with major depressive disorder:

• Paroxetine: Associated with congenital heart defects in first - trimester use, so not safe.
• Lithium: Used for bipolar disorder, has risks of fetal toxicity (e.g., cardiac and renal issues), not for unipolar depression here.
• Fluoxetine: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) with relatively more data supporting its safety in pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, for treating major depressive disorder.
• Valproate: Anticonvulsant/mood stabilizer, has high risk of neural tube defects and other teratogenic effects, not for unipolar depression in this context.

Answer:

C. Fluoxetine