Clinical Trial of Bupropion Could Reveal Prenatal Impact of SSRIs
By Christina Drury
A current clinical trial that has been examining the prenatal effects of bupropion may also reveal information on the risks of exposing an unborn baby to a popular class of antidepressants known as SSRIs, or Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors. There have been several other studies conducted on the associated high risk of birth defects developing in babies born to mothers who took SSRI drugs while pregnant. Lawsuits are being filed all across the country as mothers come forward with allegations that the drug company knew or should have known about the pregnancy risks of their drugs. SSRI drugs that have been named in the lawsuits include Lexapro, Paxil, Zoloft, Prozac and Celexa.
Trial to Observe Newborns in Several Cities
The company that manufactures Paxil and bupropion is sponsoring the clinical trial that will observe data that has been gathered from newborns born in hospitals and health care facilities in Toronto, Philadelphia, San Diego and Boston. The aim of the clinical trial is to assess the risks and safety of SSRI drugs on the market that are available to pregnant women. A 2008 report that also revealed 24 congenital birth defects were reported from 675 women who took bupropion in their first trimester of their pregnancy is being used as supporting evidence in the trial.
Data to be Gathered in Several Categories
Newborns that are being observed as part of the clinical trial have mothers who fall into one of three categories, which are:
- Mothers exposed to any bupropion during the first trimester
- Mothers only exposed to bupropion during the first trimester
- Mothers with no exposure to any smoking-cessation drug or antidepressant during pregnancy
During the trial there will be a place where exposure to SSRI drugs, such as Celexa, Lexapro, Paxil, Zoloft or Prozac, may possibly show up in the data. This data may reveal the influence of SSRI medications on the development of birth defects in newborns born to mothers who took an SSRI during pregnancy.
Recent Study Revealed SSRI Link to PPHN
A public health advisory was issued in July of 2006 by the FDA warning the public of the link between SSRI drugs and the development of Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN). The study revealed that babies who were born to mothers who took an antidepressant while pregnant were six times more likely to give birth to a baby who would develop PPHN shortly after birth.
Lawsuits Continue to be Filed
If you or a loved one took an SSRI drug during pregnancy and gave birth to a baby who developed PPHN or any other serious injury or side effect that is directly related to the use of an antidepressant, you may be eligible to receive compensation. Please visit our Zoloft, Paxil, Celexa, Lexapro & Prozac SSRI Antidepressant Birth Defect Class Action Lawsuit Investigation page to learn more about the effects of SSRI drugs and what kind of compensation you may be entitled to receive.
Updated January 25th, 2013
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