Zoloft Heart Birth Defects

Zoloft (known generically as sertraline) is a drug used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. However, some research has suggested serious Zoloft side effects, including an increased risk of heart defects. The link between Zoloft and heart defects has some people concerned that pregnant women should not take the medication. SSRIs such as Zoloft have also been linked to an increased risk of Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn. At least one Zoloft lawsuit has been filed, alleging a baby was born with a fatal birth defect after being exposed to Zoloft prior to birth.

Zoloft belongs to the group of antidepressants known as Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs).

Although research has not yet established a link specifically between Zoloft and coronary birth defects (it would be a violation of medical ethics to perform studies on pregnant women), it is known that other antidepressants increase the risk of heart birth defects when taken during pregnancy. Paxil (paroxetine), which is in the same group of SSRIs as Zoloft, is known to cause heart birth defects in babies when taken during pregnancy.

What is also known is that there is a link between other SSRIs and congenital malformations, including cardiac malformations. A study conducted at Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark, revealed that the risk of pregnant women giving birth to babies with birth defects, including heart defects, was increased among women who had prescriptions for SSRIs filled in the 30 days before conception through the end of the first trimester, compared with those who had no SSRI prescriptions filled during the same period.

Zoloft Lawsuit

A lawsuit has been filed against Pfizer, the maker of Zoloft, alleging an infant boy died of his birth defects shortly after being born because of exposure to Zoloft prior to birth. According to reports, Susan and James Hodge allege their son, Dillion, was born with anencephaly, a potentially fatal birth defect in which the infant is born without large portions of his or her brain. The infant died 18 hours after birth as a result of the defect. The Hodges allege that Pfizer knew the use of Zoloft during pregnancy could lead to birth defects and hid this information from patients.

Zoloft Pregnancy Category

The federal Food and Drug Administration categorizes this anti-depressant prescription drug in the pregnancy Category C. This label means that it is possible animal studies have indicated fetal harm from maternal use of the drug, but human trials have not yet determined that the risks of using Zoloft during pregnancy outweigh the drug's intended benefits.

Women who are taking SSRI antidepressants—including Zoloft—and are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant should speak with their doctor about the risks associated with taking the SSRI while pregnant. Although there are risks associated with taking Zoloft while pregnant, there may also be concerns about discontinuing medication. These risks should be balanced against the possible benefits of taking the medication.

Zoloft Legal Help

If you took Zoloft while pregnant, and delivered a baby with heart defects, a lawyer may be able to help you. Please send your details to an attorney by clicking the link below for a free claim evaluation.
Last updated on Jan-30-14