Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a group of widely prescribed antidepressant drugs. The most well-known SSRI class anti-depressants include Paxil, Zoloft, Lexapro, Effexor, Prozac, Pristiq, as well as their generic equivalents.
SSRI antidepressants are used for the treatment of depression, anxiety disorder, and some personality disorders. The SSRI class of drugs are the most widely prescribed antidepressants in most countries including the United States. Over 20 million Americans are prescribed an antidepressant for the treatment of some type of depression or anxiety, and many of those are in the SSRI category.
SSRI antidepressants include:
- Zoloft (Lustral, Serlain, Asentra)
- Paxil (Seroxat, Sereupin, Aropax, Deroxat, Divarius, Rexetin, Xetanor, Paroxat, Loxamine, Deparoc)
- Lexapro (Cipralex, Seroplex, Esertia)
- Effexor
- Prozac (Fontex, Seromex, Seronil, Sarafem, Ladose, Motivest,Flutop)
- Pristiq
- Celexa (Cipramil, Cipram, Dalsan, Recital, Emocal, Sepram, Seropram, Citox, Cital)
Between 14% to 23% of women suffer from some sort of depression during pregnancy and 8% are treated with an antidepressant such as an SSRI. Unfortunately, many of these women are unaware of the potentially dangerous birth defect side effects linked to SSRI use during pregnancy.
SRRIs including Zoloft, Paxil, Lexapro, Celexa, Pristiq, and Effexor have been linked to greatly increased risks of birth defects when taken by women who are pregnant. If you or someone you love has taken an SSRI antidepressant and had a child born with a birth defect, you may be entitled to compensation.
SSRI Birth defect risks
Studies published in the New England Journal of Medicine show that women who take SSRIs during through their third trimester are six times more likely to have a child born with Pulmonary Hypertension in Newborn (PPHN). Other birth defects in newborns linked to SSRI use during pregnancy include:
- Spina Bifida
- Neural Tube Defects
- Heart Defects
- PPHN
- Cranial Birth Defects
- Infant Omphalocele
- Clubfoot
- Anal atresia
- Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate
- Limb Defects
There is increasing awareness and mounting evidence that SSRI antidepressant use by pregnant women greatly increases the risk of serious side effects. Even though companies have included warnings of potential side effects from SSRI antidepressants, the SSRI manufacturers have yet to adequately warn potential mothers about the dangerous effects SSRI drug can have on a child’s development during pregnancy.
SSRI Birth Injury Lawsuits
Complications and medical treatment that may be necessary because of your child was born with a SSRI birth injury can lead to expensive medical bills. If you or a loved one took SSRI medication while pregnant and have a child suffering from an SSRI birth defect, you may have legal recourse.
If your child has a birth defect caused by the mother using SSRIs during pregnancy, you may be eligible for financial compensation for your medical expenses, pain, suffering, and more. It is important to speak with a SSRI Lawsuit Attorney that is experienced in pharmaceutical litigation and will help you get the settlement or judgment you deserve.
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