Antidepressant Medications and Birth Defects

Studies have shown that antidepressant medications used during pregnancy can increase the risks of certain birth defects. The following antidepressants have been linked to birth defects:

• Zoloft (sertraline)
• Lexapro (escitalopram)
• Paxil (paroxetine)
• Prozac (fluoxetine)
• Celexa (citalopram)

All belong to a class of medications known as Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors (SSRIs).

Birth Defects Related to Antidepressant Medications

SSRIs, such as Zoloft, Lexapro, Celexa, Prozac, and Paxil, have been linked to many different types of birth defects. Sometimes birth defects are associated with taking SSRIs during the first trimester. Other times, they are the result of antidepressant use during the last trimester. Birth defects that have been linked with antidepressant use include:

• Autism
• Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS)
• Pulmonary Atresia
• Tricuspic Atresia
• Transposition of the Great Vessels
• Atrial Septal Defect (hole in the heart)
• Ventricular Septal Defect (hole in the heart)
• Coarctation of the Aorta
• Tetralogy of Fallot
• Double Outlet Right Ventricle
• Truncus Arteriosus
• Double Inlet Left Ventricle
• Double Aortic Arch
• Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN)
• Pulmonary Stenosis – lung defect
• Omphalcele – abdominal wall malformation
• Gastrochesis – abdominal wall malformation
• Craniosynostosis – cranio-facial malformation
• Clubfoot – limb malformation

Some of these defects can be diagnosed at birth or even earlier. Others may take years to become evident. If you took any SSRI during pregnancy and your child suffered any of these defects, you have the right to seek compensation for these injuries.

Why Antidepressants Are Prescribed During Pregnancy

SSRIs are designed to increase the levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin. Serotonin plays a role in many different emotions, and increased levels of serotonin are generally associated with positive feelings of wellbeing and happiness. SSRIs, such as Lexapro, Zoloft, Celexa, Prozac, and Paxil, are prescribed for many conditions, including depression, bulimia nervosa, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, anxiety, even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Pregnant women may have been prescribed these drugs before becoming pregnant or specifically for mood disorders that develop as a result of pregnancy.

Should You File a Class Action or Individual Lawsuit?

Some firms are choosing to pursue SSRI lawsuits as class actions. In this type of litigation, a large group of clients brings a lawsuit together. The court will make a single decision and reward damages to the group as a whole, with every person receiving the same reward. This would give the same compensation to a child that had a heart murmur, requiring little treatment, as to a child who needed multiple surgeries or even a heart transplant.

The Guerra Moore Law Firm feels that the injuries associated with SSRIs vary too greatly and need to be litigated individually to ensure that you get compensation that is appropriate for your child's injuries. You need a settlement or jury award that will help you pay the expenses associated with your child's injuries, and we are prepared to pursue that for you.

The Guerra Moore Law Firm has the experience, staff, and resources to litigate this extremely specialized pharmaceutical injury lawsuit. Our attorneys, nurses, and paralegals are ready to answer your questions. Call toll free 877-223-4311 or complete email form for a free consultation.