Birth Defects Caused by SSRI Drugs
SSRI Drugs, or Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, are typically prescribed to adults to treat depression, anxiety and personality disorders. However, when a woman takes an SSRI drug while pregnant, it can result in serious health problems for her newborn baby.
Research has shown a that 20-30% of newborns exposed to SSRI antidepressants late in gestation (ie. during the third trimester) suffer disorders including agitation, abnormal muscle tone and suction, seizures and hyponatraemia. Additionally, there is a 50% greater risk of heart defects in babies born to mothers who took Prozac (fluoxetine) or Paxil during the first three months of pregnancy.
SSRI drugs that may cause problems in newborns include:
- Zoloft
- Paxil
- Prozac
- Fluoxetine
- Effexor
- Luvox
- Celexa
- Lexapro
- Wellbutrin
- Serzone
- Remeron
In 2009, a jury awarded a Philadelphia family $2.5 million in damages for heart defects suffered by a three year old boy whose mother took Paxil during her pregnancy. This was the first of over 600 similar SSRI lawsuits against GlaxoSmithKline, the manufacturer of Paxil, and other SSRI manufacturers.
SSRI drugs that may cause problems in newborns include:
- Injuries to the brain, spinal cord and/or limbs
- Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension (PPHN)
- Clubfoot
- Cleft Palate (cleft lip)
- Heart Murmur
- Apnea
- Seizures
- Hyponatraemia (low sodium levels / electrolyte imbalance)
- Water on the Brain
Contact an experienced birth defect lawyer
If you or someone you know took an SSRI during pregnancy that resulted in a birth defect, contact a medical product liability lawyer immediately to learn how to protect your rights. Fill out the contact form on this page, or call us toll free at 888-285-3333 for a free and confidential case evaluation.