Monday, October 10, 2011

Antidepressants and Birth Defects

AppId is over the quota
AppId is over the quota

Since 2005, overwhelming data has emerged linking certain antidepressants to serious birth defects. These birth defects are costing American families millions of dollars and a lifetime of heartache.

In the past, pregnant women were encouraged to take antidepressants during pregnancy by their doctor, and they were told that doing so was completely safe. Unfortunately, a substantial number of women who took antidepressants during pregnancy because they were told it was safe have now given birth to babies with birth defects.

Babies born to mothers who took certain antidepressants during pregnancy have been reported to suffer from cleft lip, cleft palate, Omphalocele (abdominal defect), anal atresia (complete or partial closure of the anus), clubfoot, Craniosynostosis, limb defects, neural-tube defects, PPHN (persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn), Autism spectrum disorders, and heart defects.

In July of 2006, the FDA issued a Public Health Advisory for popular antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), including the drugs Celexa, Paxil, Fluvozamine, Lexapro, Prozac, Symbyax, and Zoloft. The study suggests that there may be even additional risks of mothers taking SSRIs during pregnancy.

Furthermore, the study revealed that mothers who took SSRIs after the 20th week in pregnancy were six times more likely to give birth to a baby with PPHN (Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn) than to babies whose mother did not take an antidepressant during pregnancy.

SSRIs prevent certain receptors in the human brain from absorbing serotonin that has been released in the system. Serotonin is a chemical that maintains feelings of well-being; therefore, preventing its absorption is supposed to alleviate negative emotions.

ne particular SSRI that has been linked to birth defects is Paxil. There have been numerous links to birth defects in newborns whose mothers were taking Paxil while pregnant. Side effects include: clubbed foot, cleft lip or palate, development delays, PPHN, spina bifida, brain and spinal cord defects, abdominal hernias and heart defects. Furthermore, children and infants exposed to Paxil in utero can experience withdrawal symptoms after delivery. Paxil can also cause miscarriage and premature birth.

On December 8, 2005, the FDA released a Public Health Advisory that was based on both U.S. and Swedish studies that revealed that mothers who had taken certain antidepressants in the first trimester of pregnancy may be associated with an increased risk of heart birth defects. The predominant heart defects associated with these studies were atrial and ventricular defects, which are conditions where the wall between the right and left sides of the heart is not fully developed.

Aside from birth defects, babies born to mothers who took certain antidepressants during early pregnancy are three times more likely to develop autism. This is an alarming figure, considering the autism epidemic that has exploded in recent years. Today, there is a growing controversy over the use of antidepressants and young women, especially pregnant women or women who plan on being pregnant. If you gave birth to a child who suffered from autism or another birth defect after taking antidepressants during your pregnancy, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact a litigation attorney who has experience in dealing with product liability. The pharmaceutical companies should be held accountable for any injuries or deaths they caused to newborn babies and children, especially those who have suffered undue harm and life-threatening injuries as a result of their negligence.

Wolfe & Associates is a litigation law firm located in Lubbock, Texas. Their firm has helped numerous clients over the years through mediation, arbitration, and business formation. Their Lubbock litigation attorneys have successfully fought and won on behalf of their clients against large insurance companies, contract breaches, and even defective products. They have an extensive, yet well-rounded concept of the law and are able to use their knowledge to benefit their clients. Their client's interests are always at the forefront of all of their endeavors, and they will fight for your rights. Whether your child was seriously injured by an SSRI, or if you need help developing a will and trust, they have the knowledge and experience necessary to provide you with unwavering and dedicated counsel that you can depend on. To further discuss your matter with a seasoned member of their legal team, contact a Lubbock product liability attorney from their firm at (877) 480-8066.


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