SSRIs are types of antidepressants. Various clinical studies have revealed that SSRI and SNRI (antidepressant) use during pregnancy may affect fetal development. If the fetus’ development is affected, various congenital defects may occur. Some of the antidepressant drugs that have been linked to the birth defects include Celexa, Effexor, Lexapro, Paxil, Prozac and Zoloft. Specifically, these particular drugs, if taken during pregnancy, can cause major congenital birth defects including heart defects, spina bifida, cleft lip, club foot, and omphalocele (where the infant’s organs develop outside of the body).
As a mother of two, I realize that the natural response is to want to protect your unborn baby. However, sometimes the best way to do that is to also protect yourself. Some pregnant women need antidepressants during pregnancy and in fact, it may be unsafe to stop taking them. However, there are a number of antidepressants that can be taken. The manufacturers of the above antidepressants (SSRIs) failed to include with their products the necessary warnings concerning the likelihood of birth defects. As a result, pregnant women and in most cases, their doctors, were not well informed as to the dangers.
If you or a loved one has given birth to a baby with congenital birth defects and an antidepressant was taken during pregnancy, please contact dangerous drug attorney Lindsay Rakers.