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Antidepressant Birth Defects

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are widely prescribed for the treatment of depression, anxiety, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and social phobia. The use of SSRIs during the first trimester of pregnancy has been linked to babies born with birth defects that can be severe and even life threatening.

What SSRI drugs are in question?

Due to the similar way SSRIs interact with our brains, the entire class of drugs has been linked to instances of birth defects. Specific products include:

  • Celexa® (citalopram)
  • Cipralex® (escitalopram)
  • Cymbalta® (duloxetine)
  • Effexor® (venlafaxine)
  • Lexapro® (escitalopram)
  • Luvox® (fluvoxamine)
  • Paxil® (paroxetine)
  • Prozac® (fluoxetine)
  • Remeron® (mirtazapine)
  • Sarafem® (fluoxetine)
  • Symbyax® (olanzapine/fluoxetine)
  • Wellbutrin® (bupropion)
  • Zoloft® (sertraline)

What should I know about the link between these drugs and birth defects?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported that one study showed infants born to mothers who took SSRIs after the 20th week of pregnancy were six times more likely to have persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN) than infants born to mothers who did not take antidepressants during pregnancy.

What potential birth defects can occur?

Potential birth defects from SSRI usage can include:

  • abdominal wall defect (omphalocele),
  • atrial septal defect (ASD),
  • cardiac defects,
  • club foot,
  • cranial skull defect (craniosynostosis),
  • developmental delays,
  • fetal death,
  • gastroschisis (stomach/intestines outside of body),
  • heart murmurs,
  • hole in heart wall,
  • hypoplastic left heart syndrome,
  • hypoplastic right heart syndrome,
  • oral cleft,
  • persistent pulmonary hypertension,
  • pulmonary atresia,
  • renal defects,
  • required heart surgery or transplant,
  • spina bifida,
  • Tetralogy of Fallot
  • transposition of great arteries,
  • tricuspid or mitral heart valve defect,
  • Trilogy of Fallot,
  • ventricular septal defect (VSD).

If your baby was born with a serious birth defect, you may need the help of an antidepressant birth defect lawyer. You may be entitled to compensation. Call us at (800) 852-6299 or fill out our free initial consultation form. We want to help.

Celexa® and Lexapro® are registered trademarks of Forest Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Cipralex® is a registered trademark of H. Lundbeck A/S. Cymbalta®, Prozac® and Symbyax® are registered trademarks of Eli Lilly and Company. Effexor® and Zoloft® are registered trademarks of Pfizer, Inc. Luvox® is a registered trademark of Abbott Products, Inc. Paxil® and Wellbutrin® are registered trademarks of GlaxoSmithKline. Remeron® is a registered trademark of N.V. Organon. Sarafem® is a registered trademark of Warner Chilcott. All trademarks are used to identify the products in question.

This law firm is not associated with, sponsored by, or affiliated with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or any of the trademarks or companies used on this page.

Free Consultation

If your doctor prescribed antidepressants during your pregnancy and your child suffered a birth defect, the Birmingham birth defect lawyers at Cory Watson Crowder & DeGaris are ready to fight for you. Pick up the phone and call us at (800) 852-6299 or fill out our free initial consultation form.

As a leading national injury law firm, we serve clients throughout the country as well as locally, including Birmingham and Blount, Jefferson, Shelby, Tuscaloosa, and Walker counties. It takes just minutes to fill out the brief form and the initial conversation is free.