SSRI Antidepressants and Pregnancy

As we have reported several times in our blogs, SSRIs, including Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, Lexapro, Luvox and Celexa, have been linked to birth defects in newborns.

Expectant mothers who take these drugs should speak to their doctors about concerns. Reported SSRI complications found among newborns have included cleft lip and palate, craniosynostosis, limb defects, clubfoot, and anal atresia.

Recently, the New York Times had an interesting story about birth defects alleged to be associated with antidepressants. According to the newspaper, up to 14 percent of pregnant women take SSRIs during pregnancy.

Some doctors have argued, according to the paper, that depression during pregnancy is more dangerous to a fetus than the prescription drugs could be—but a growing number of experts are questioning this idea.

“If antidepressants made such a big difference, and women on them were eating better, sleeping better, and taking better care of themselves, then one would expect to see better birth outcomes among the women who took medication than among similar women who did not,” Barbara Mintzes, an associate professor at the University of British Columbia School of Population and Public Health, told the Times. “What’s striking is that there’s no research evidence showing that.”

According to the Times, new studies have heightened concerns over SSRI use during pregnancy. Scientists at Johns Hopkins University reported earlier this year that boys with autism were nearly three times more likely to have been exposed to SSRIs before birth than typically developing boys.

Additionally, the Times reported that researchers at Harvard found that prenatal exposure to SSRIs places children at a nearly twice as high a risk for developing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

How Do I File an SSRI Birth Defect Lawsuit?

Your child should not have to suffer because of inadequate SSRI warnings. Our law firm is dedicated to protecting the rights of those impacted by harmful SSRI side effects.  The attorneys and experienced team at Zoll & Kranz are available to answer your questions at our toll-free number, (888)841-9623.

We can investigate your case and determine if you and your child may be eligible for compensation, or we can discuss your legal rights.

Zoll & Kranz, LLC – Defective Medical Drug and Device Lawyers

ZK’s ‘Did You Know’? Paxil has also been linked to the development and growth of breast tumors in women.

Source: http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/09/01/possible-risks-of-s-s-r-i-antidepressants-to-newborns/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_r=0