SSRIs Linked to Premature Birth

Washington, DCA recent study has linked the use of SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) while pregnant to an increased risk of premature births. Meanwhile a different study suggests that SSRIs may not be effective at treating some forms of depression. Women who have used SSRIs while pregnant and had babies with serious health problems are now filing lawsuits against the makers of SSRIs, alleging their babies were harmed by the antidepressants.

According to WebMD, the study that linked SSRIs to premature births involved around 200 pregnant women, half of whom were diagnosed with depression. Of those with depression, approximately half took SSRIs during their pregnancy. Researchers found that 23 percent of the women who took SSRIs during the pregnancy had premature births, compared with six percent of women who were not diagnosed with depression and did not take SSRIs.

Premature birth itself is linked to health problems including learning disabilities and cerebral palsy. SSRIs have been linked to other serious health consequences for the baby, such as heart malformations and persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN). Approximately 10 to 20 percent of infants born with PPHN do not survive, while others can face a lifetime of medical procedures.

Furthermore, babies who are exposed to SSRIs in the later stages of pregnancy can experience withdrawal symptoms after birth. Such symptoms include high-pitched crying, tremors and gastrointestinal problems.

What makes the situation even worse is that doctors are now doubting whether or not SSRIs are as effective as once thought. According to one study, published in PLoS Medicine patients with moderate depression who were given SSRIs, had no greater improvement in their depression than patients who were given a placebo. Patients with severe depression had only a clinically insignificant improvement in their depression when given an SSRI. Only patients who were the most severely depressed showed a significant improvement when taking SSRIs.

According to the researchers, "Meta-analyses of antidepressant medications have reported only modest benefits over placebo treatment, and when unpublished trial data are included, the benefit falls below accepted criteria for clinical significance." They conclude that SSRIs should only be given to the most severely depressed patients. Other patients should be encouraged to try other therapies before using such antidepressants.

It is almost unthinkable that a drug company would put an infant's life at risk to sell a drug that may not be entirely effective. Many women have suffered unimaginable heartache because their babies were exposed to SSRIs while in the womb and developed serious health conditions as a result.

Many women who have given birth to babies with serious health problems have filed lawsuits against the makers of SSRI antidepressants, alleging they were not adequately warned about the risks to their babies.

If you took an SSRI while pregnant and delivered a baby with health problems, contact a lawyer to discuss your legal options.