When pregnant women use anxiety medications or antidepressants like Zoloft, a higher risk of birth defects affecting the abdomen, skull, or heart in their babies has been observed. If birth defects arose following a prescription of medications such as Lexapro, Effexor, Paxil, Prozac, Celexa, or Zoloft during pregnancy, a birth defect attorney might be able to help in pursuing damages for your baby’s medical condition.
Contact the Johnson Firm today if you or a loved one took Zoloft or other similar medication while pregnant and delivered a baby with a birth defect. An experienced birth defects attorney can review your case and help you determine if you have a claim.
An Overview of SSRIs and Their Safety Concerns
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are medications frequently prescribed to treat depression and anxiety, with research suggesting their effectiveness in relieving symptoms when used correctly. Although these drugs are often considered safe, they can exhibit side effects, varying with individual body responses and the specific chemical composition of the drug.
Concerns have arisen about potential severe complications related to the use of Zoloft and other antidepressants during pregnancy. There are ongoing lawsuits against the manufacturers for what plaintiffs argue are insufficient warning labels. For instance, Paxil is linked to an increased risk of lung and heart complications in babies when taken by expectant mothers. Other health risks suggested by plaintiffs include higher risks of low birth weight or premature delivery and newborns’ susceptibility to withdrawal symptoms.
SSRIs and Birth Defects: Exploring the Connection
Clinical trials indicate that anxiety medications’ use during pregnancy may increase the occurrence of birth defects. Consequently, birth defects attorneys are evaluating claims from women who took Paxil, Lexapro, Effexor, Celexa, Zoloft, and other SSRIs. The most commonly reported birth defects include heart defects, spina bifida, omphalocele, coarctation of the aorta, craniosynostosis, hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), transportation of the great arteries (TGA), and tetralogy of Fallot (TOF).
Additionally, links have been found between the use of antidepressants during pregnancy and other defects such as clubfoot, atrial septal defects, ventricular septal defects, and holes in the heart. If such birth defects have affected your child following your use of anxiety medication or antidepressants during pregnancy, legal recourse may be possible.
Legal Representation for Birth Defects Linked to SSRIs
In cases where individuals were not properly informed about the potentially life-threatening complications related to the use of Zoloft or other SSRIs and antidepressants during pregnancy, legal options may be available. Consultation with an experienced birth defects attorney can provide clarity on these options and the potential for pursuing compensation. The process may be time-sensitive, so seeking legal counsel promptly is advised.