Antidepressants & Birth Defects
Studies have shown that anti-depressants, also known as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), have been known to increase the risk of serious side effects when taken during pregnancy. This can result in serious birth defects, congenital abnormalities, or complications with pregnancy.
Despite the evidence of SSRIs associated with birth defect risks, these drugs remain on the market. Many expectant mothers continue to use these popular drugs, not knowing they are putting themselves and their babies in danger.
Our attorneys, paralegals and staff are ready to work for you. Call Pendley, Baudin & Coffin at 1-800-931-6207 or click here for a free and confidential initial consultation today.
SSRIs and SNRIs
SSRIs are a class of popular drugs prescribed to treat depression and other mental health conditions. These drugs include:
- Zoloft (Sertraline)
- Lexapro (Escitalopram)
- Prozac and Sarafem (Fluoxetine)
- Celexa (Citalopram)
- Paxil (Paroxetine)
- Effexor (Venlafaxine)
- Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine)
Birth Defects
One of the serious birth defects associated with SSRIs is Neonatal Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension (PPHN). The prevalence of PPHN associated with SSRIs caused the FDA to issue a warning about its risks in 2006, requiring drug manufacturers to clearly indicate how serious of a threat SSRIs are to fetal health. Since 2006, other studies have shown that SSRIs pose an increased danger to fetuses, and in some cases, result in miscarriage.
- PPHN is six times more common in babies whose mothers use SSRIs during pregnancy
- Neonatal abstinence syndrome, the term for newborn drug addiction, occurs in approximately 30 percent of infants whose mothers use SSRIs during pregnancy
- Zoloft appears to more than triple the risk of life-threatening heart defects. Use of more than one SSRI increases the risk of this heart defect five-fold.
- Pregnant women taking SSRIs were 68% more likely to suffer miscarriage
- Maternal use of SSRIs later in pregnancy cause delays in infant’s motor development.
Your Rights
If you have taken an SSRI during pregnancy, and your child has suffered from a birth defect, please fill out our contact form below or call 1-800-931-6207 to speak with one of our attorneys. We can help you seek the compensation you deserve.