Low-Dose Paroxetine (Brisdelle) and Pregnancy

Reviewed byClearHormones Editorial Team, Medical-literature review

Last reviewed: 6/2/2026 · How we review →

Paroxetine is associated with cardiac malformations (especially atrial and ventricular septal defects) when taken in the first trimester. Brisdelle's postmenopausal indication makes this rarely relevant.

Low-dose paroxetine is approved for menopausal hot flashes, so pregnancy is uncommon among the women who take it - but conception is still possible in perimenopause. Because paroxetine is an SSRI with specific pregnancy considerations, confirm your contraception plan with the prescriber if you are still having any periods.

Pregnancy safety

Low-Dose Paroxetine (Brisdelle) pregnancy safety summary
FDA category	X (Brisdelle specifically — though 7.5 mg dose in postmenopausal women is the indication, hence rare clinical relevance)
Breastfeeding	Not applicable to Brisdelle's indicated population. Paroxetine generally passes into breast milk; SSRIs are typically continued postpartum when weighed benefit-risk.

Low-Dose Paroxetine (Brisdelle) and Pregnancy

Pregnancy safety

Sources(5)

Low-Dose Paroxetine (Brisdelle) and Pregnancy

Pregnancy safety

Sources(5)