Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors – a class of medications used to treat depression – include some of the most popular antidepressants prescribed by healthcare professionals today. SSRI’s work by increasing the amount of serotonin in the patient’s brain. Common SSRI’s include:
- Zoloft
- Paxil
- Prozac
- Wellbutrin
- Lexapro
- Celexa
SSRI Birth Defects
Antidepressants are the primary treatment option for most types of depression, helping to relieve symptoms and keep you feeling your best. However, women of childbearing age should be aware of the risk of serious birth defects in infants whose mothers take the drugs while pregnant. Women should consult their doctor if they become pregnant or are planning on becoming pregnant while taking the medication.
- Birth defects associated with SSRIs include:
- Septal defect (atrial and ventricular)
- Hypoplastic left heart and right heart
- Narrowing of the pulmonary valve
- Cleft palate
- Club feet
- Spina bifida (neural tube defects)
- Anal Atresia (anus or rectum malfunction/defect)
- Pulmonary Atresia
- Heart Valve Defects
- Coarctatoin of the Aorta (CoA)
- Abdominal wall defects
- Heart murmurs
SSRI birth defects may require one or more surgeries for treatment. In cases of SSRI heart defects, multiple procedures may be needed as the child ages. While some SSRI birth defects are treatable, other cases may involve heart transplant or other serious procedures. You may be entitled to file a SSRI lawsuit.
Contact Us Today for the Help You Need
If you took SSRIs during pregnancy and your baby suffered any type of birth defect, you may qualify for compensation. Because the manufacturer may have failed to properly warn patients about the possible risks of birth defects you may be entitled to financial compensation for medical bills and other damages. Families are advised to act quickly however, as there is a time limit for filing these types of claims with a SSRI lawfirm. To find out if you are eligible for an SSRI lawsuit, contact us today.