• 27
  • January
    2011

Over the past few weeks, we have discussed a few common drugs, specifically antidepressants, which have been linked to increased risks of birth defects and other injuries. In addition to common drugs such as Prozac, Paxil, and Wellbutrin, Zoloft is another antidepressant that has been linked to birth defects when taken by pregnant women early in their pregnancy.

Like Paxil and Prozac, Zoloft is a drug known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, or an SSRI. These drugs work by boosting the activity of a chemical called serotonin in the brain.

A number of studies have been performed that have shown links between Zoloft and other SSRIs and birth defects. A 2007 study found an increased risk of conditions such as Anencephaly or Omphalocele. Anencephaly is a defect that results in missing or abnormal brain or skull formation and Omphalocele is a rare birth defect, which can result in an infant's intestines or other abdominal organs protruding through the naval.

A later study showed that SSRIs may lead to a doubling of the chances of an infant being born with various heart defects or cardiac malformations. Further, the combination of various SSRIs may increase those risks even more.

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury related to an SSRI or other antidepressant, you may want to contact an attorney to find out if your situation calls for a defective drug lawsuit. Injuries that you or your child may have right now could get worse in the future, but your right to claim compensation may be limited to just a short time, so don't delay in seeking legal help.

Source: Chicago Tribune, Antidepressants tied to fetal damage risk, Denise Gellene