SSRI Birth Defects Lawsuit

Recent studies suggest SSRI side effects may include serious SSRI birth defects, causing health problems for infants and young children. Some studies have linked the use of SSRIs, also called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, while pregnant with birth defects. SSRI birth defects may include persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN—previously called primary pulmonary hypertension of the newborn), septal defect and non-cardiac birth defects including spina bifida and cleft palate.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a newer class of antidepressant that work by increasing the amount of serotonin in the patient's brain. Some studies, including one published in the New England Journal of Medicine have linked SSRIs to serious birth defects, including persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN), a potentially serious condition in which the baby does not adapt to breathing outside the womb.

Cardiac birth defects linked to SSRI antidepressants:

Septal defect (atrial and ventricular): Occurs when a hole develops in the wall of the infant's heart, leading to improper blood circulation and causing the heart to work harder than it should to pump blood. Patients may require open-heart surgery.

Tetrology of Fallot: The patient experiences narrowing of the pulmonary valve, ventricular septal defect, dilated aorta connected to the left and right ventricles, and thickening of the right ventricle. Blood may not be properly oxygenated before being circulated throughout the body.

Hypoplastic left heart: Occurs when the left side of the infant's heart does not develop fully. It can result in sudden death and patients may require a heart transplant and/or multiple surgeries as they age.

Hypoplastic right heart: Occurs when the right side of the infant's heart does not develop fully. It can result in sudden death and patients may require a heart transplant and/or multiple surgeries as they age.

Non-cardiac birth defects linked to SSRI antidepressants:

Spina bifida: Occurs when the spinal cord and backbone do not close or develop properly. This may allow part of the spinal cord to protrude through the opening. The section of the spinal cord affected does not function normally, possibly leading to disability.

Cleft palate: Occurs when the separate parts of the skull forming the roof of the mouth do not join properly. This can result in problems feeding, speaking and breathing.

Club feet: Occurs when the infant's bones, joints, muscles and blood vessels develop abnormally, resulting in the foot being turned inward and downward. This can cause problems with mobility.

SSRI Antidepressants:

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

Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are similar to SSRIs in that they both increase levels of serotonin in the patient's brain. SNRIs also affect levels of norepinephrine in the brain. SSRIs have been on the market longer than SNRIs and therefore have been more widely researched. Because of their similarities it is possible that both classes of antidepressant have similar side effects, although this is not certain.)

SSRI Birth Defects Lawsuit Contact Form

If you took any SSRI antidepressant medication during pregnancy and your baby suffered any type of birth defect, you may qualify for damages or remedies that may be awarded in a possible SSRI Birth Defects lawsuit. Please click on the link below to submit your claim to a lawyer who will review your case at no charge.

Last updated on Oct-19-12