SSRI antidepressants - such as Lexapro, Paxil, Prozac, Wellbutrin, Zoloft, Zyban, Effexor or Luvox - have been linked to birth defects in children if taken during pregnancy. Studies have also shown that when these antidepressants are used within the first three months of a pregnancy, the risk of SSRI birth defects is higher.
Antidepressants work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is a chemical that is responsible for the regulation of mood, sleep and appetite. As early as 1996, it was known that women taking Prozac during pregnancy were twice as likely to deliver a baby with three or more "minor abnormalities." As more antidepressants came on the market, the FDA has issued warnings about the link between these drugs and birth defects.
At the law firm of Kaiser Gornick LLP, our attorneys can answer your questions and make you aware of your rights. We have extensive experience handling defective drug litigation in California and across the United States.
Birth Defects Associated With SSRI Antidepressants
In 2005, the FDA warned of a study showing that infants born to women who had taken Paxil during their first trimester had an increased risk of heart defects upon birth, particularly ventricular and arterial septal defects. Other birth defects associated with SSRI antidepressants may include:
- Cleft lip and/or cleft palate
- Blindness
- Down's syndrome
- Congenital heart lesions and anomalies
- Clubfoot
- Hernia
- Spina bifida
- Malformations
If your child has suffered a birth defect and you took an antidepressant during your pregnancy, it is important to learn of your options for recovery.
Contact our San Francisco Bay Area office by e-mail or by calling toll free at 800-824-8234 to schedule a free initial consultation. Explore your rights for compensation with our California attorneys.
