Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants are commonly used to treat a variety of symptoms associated with depression. SSRIs increase serotonin levels in the brain and control mood, appetite, and sleeping patterns. In the late 1980s, Prozac became the first SSRI to enter the market, followed soon after by Paxil and Zoloft. SSRI sales have risen significantly in recent years, particularly among women of child-bearing age. Research indicates that I out of every 8 pregnant women now take an SSRI antidepressant.

Several studies have identified a significant risk for severe and life-threatening birth defects for children born to mothers who took an SSRI antidepressant during pregnancy. In 2005, a Danish study found that infants exposed to SSRI antidepressants early in pregnancy were 60% more likely to develop a severe congenital heart defect compared to infants whose mothers did not take an SSRI. The following year, a New England Journal of Medicine study found that women taking SSRIs during their third trimester were six times more likely to give birth to a child with a rare heart and lung condition known as persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN). The FDA responded in July 2006 by issuing a public health warning, requiring all SSRI medications to strengthen their warning labels to warn patients and healthcare providers of the potential dangers. Although multiple reports have arisen since that time regarding the association between PPHN and SSRIs, the FDA has not yet identified the true risk.

In addition to PPHN and serious heart defects, Prozac, Paxil, Lexapro, Zoloft, Celexa, and other SSRI antidepressants have also been linked to a significantly increased risk of limb-reduction defects, and various malformations such as cleft lip, cleft palate, and club feet.

Congenital Defects and other SSRI Birth Defects

The following congenital defects have been reported by mothers who used an SSRI antidepressant during pregnancy:

• Heart defects, which include pulmonary artresia, pulmonary stenosis, hypoplastic left heart syndrome, atrial septal defects, ventricular septal defects, transposition of the great arteries, and tetrology of the fallot
• Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN), a lung condition in which the newborn may experience difficulty breathing, respiratory distress, organ damage, heart or kidney failure, and even death.
• Limb defects, including club foot
• Spina Bifida, a neural tube defect that results in paralysis or seizures
• Craniosyntosis, a head and skull defect that can lead to developmental delays
• Omphalocele, a malformation of the abdominal wall that makes it difficult for the infant to eat and breathe correctly

Contact our Experienced SSRI Antidepressant Attorneys

The SSRI antidepressant lawyers at Pintas & Mullins are dedicated to protecting the rights of women who took SSRIs during pregnancy and gave birth to children with severe birth defects. The manufacturers of several SSRI medications, including Paxil, Lexapro, and Zoloft, failed to adequately warn of the harmful side effects associated with these dangerous drugs. As a result, many women taking SSRIS during pregnancy unknowingly exposed their children to a significant risk of congenital heart, lung, and other birth defects.

If you took an SSRI antidepressant such as Prozac during pregnancy and gave birth to a child with a serious birth defect, contact our law firm immediately in order to protect your legal rights. Our experienced birth defect attorneys can help you pursue legal action against the drug manufacturers, beginning with a free, no-obligation consultation. All of our attorneys work on a contingency basis, which means that we do not get paid unless we are successful in your case.