SSRI Birth Defects: Message On A Bottle

Huntington Beach, CADespite the warnings about the use of SSRI antidepressants during pregnancy, the message doesn't appear to be getting out. Women continue to come forward with devastating accounts of what they believe to be SSRI birth defects.

Cristine (not her real name), for example, had been taking SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) antidepressants for several years before becoming pregnant. Her first 2 pregnancies ended in miscarriage, and then in 1998 she carried to full term. However, when her baby boy was born he was not breathing, and the doctors determined he had a serious heart condition.

This year, her son is 11 years old and he is still undergoing treatment for his heart condition. Additionally, he may have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism or be bipolar – he is not yet diagnosed.

Cristine's story is not uncommon among women who remain on their SSRI antidepressants while pregnant. Many women are not aware of the possibility of their unborn babies developing SSRI birth defects, or even what those defects may be. Furthermore, many women may need to remain on their medication while pregnant.
Cristine remarked that her story bares a strong resemblance to that of Susan's, whose son was born with a lung and heart deformity, and who had to be resuscitated at birth because he was not breathing. At the age of 5, he has behavioural problems, and is developmentally delayed.

Breathing problems at birth appear to be quite common, as do withdrawal symptoms such as tremors and minor seizures. Thankfully, these are not permanent and can be medically treated at the time, but the more serious and long-term effects do not always heal or go away, as is the case for Cristine's and Susan's son, and many more children like them.

SSRI Birth Defects: Just What Are They?
In truth, physicians aren't sure of all the possible birth defects, and why some women are affected and others aren't.

What is known is that SSRIs, which are a newer class of antidepressant, are associated with an increased risk for primary pulmonary hypertension (PPHN) in newborns. In 2005 the FDA issued a public health warning specifically about the SSRI Paxil. The warning was based on findings from 2 studies which showed an increased risk for birth defects in babies born to women taking the drug during pregnancy. In fact, the studies showed a 1 to 2 times greater risk of having a baby with a heart birth defect while on Paxil. In conjunction with the warning, the FDA placed Paxil in its second highest category of drugs known to cause birth defects.

But SSRI birth defects are not solely associated with Paxil. Zoloft, Celexa, Lexapro, and Prozac are also associated with risk for birth defects. A study published in the November 2008 issue of the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, reported a 3 times greater risk for heart defects in babies born to mothers taking either Prozac (fluoxetine) or Paxil.

Other chronic health problems also appear to be associated with the SSRIs, based on reports of abdominal birth defects, cranial birth defects, club foot, neural tube defects, and Anal Atresia, a congenital malformation of the anus.

Recently, the FDA announced that it would be investigating SSRI birth defects, which in itself would indicate cause for concern beyond what is already known. Let's hope the FDA can get going on it soon and that their efforts will result in increased awareness of the problems, and most importantly fewer mothers with stories like Cristine's and Susan's.

Read Susan's Story