Antidepressant Pregnancy Use Associated with Birth Defects, Miscarriage
By Robert J. Boumis
Depression is a prevalent psychiatric disorder. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 out of 10 people find themselves affected by depression. Many people benefit from modern treatments like Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, or SSRIs. However, evidence is emerging that these drugs can harm unborn babies and cause birth defects.
SSRIs include many common drugs, like Prozac and Zoloft. They were first introduced by Pfizer in 1991 in the form of Prozac. When first introduced, SSRI drugs were heralded as a magic bullet against depression, since they often proved more effective and had fewer side effects than older types of anti-depressants. They help people with depression by slowing down the process of reabsorbing neurotransmitters. This makes neurons in key areas of the brain more active, which is associated with a decrease in depression symptoms. Many different SSRIs are on the market.
Some common SSRIs include:
- Zoloft
- Paxil
- Celexa
- Lexapro
- Prozac
- Fluoxetine
- Effexor
This list is not comprehensive; there are dozens of SSRIs on the market, and some generic versions are sold under different names. If you are uncertain if your medication is an SSRI or not, consult your doctor or a pharmacist. Do not discontinue treatment without consulting a physician.
Birth Defect Lawsuits Allege Manufacturers Downplayed Risks
Class action lawsuits and drug injury lawsuits allege that the manufacturers of SSRIs knew, or should have been aware of, the risks associated with taking these drugs during pregnancy. These birth defect lawsuits further allege that prescribers and patients were not adequately informed of the serious risks associated with taking SSRIs during pregnancy.
Birth defects can last a lifetime, and require expensive medical care. If you, or someone you know took an antidepressant during pregnancy and had a child with a birth defect, please visit the Zoloft, Paxil, Celexa, Lexapro & Prozac SSRI Antidepressant Birth Defect Class Action Lawsuit Investigation to determine the next steps. You have rights and you have options.
Updated April 22nd, 2013
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One thought on Antidepressant Pregnancy Use Associated with Birth Defects, Miscarriage
Im on lexapro & abilify & just miscarried 9 weeks pregnant