Studies Show Antidepressants Increase the Risk of Birth Defects

Studies Suggest Zoloft May Increase Risk of Birth Defects

In 2006, a study that was published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) suggested a possible link between selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants and serious birth defects. These results were verified the next year in a separate study that was also published in the NEJM. In this study, researchers found that women who took the SSRI drug Zoloft (sertraline) in the early stages of pregnancy experienced twice the risk of delivering a baby with a heart defect. Other studies have suggested that women who take Zoloft are six times more likely to deliver a child with a birth defect.

After these studies were published, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning about the potential link between Zoloft and birth defects. The agency also encouraged the drug manufacturers to strengthen the warning on the label. Types of Zoloft birth defects include:

• Heart defect
• Lung defect
• Neural tube defect
• Spina bifida
• Club foot
• Cleft lip
• Cleft palate
• Atrial septal defect
• Ventricular septal defect
• Persistent pulmonary hypertension

Number of Zoloft Birth Defects Lawsuits Continues to Rise

Many women who took Zoloft while they were pregnant have sued Pfizer after delivering a child with birth defects. They accuse the company of failing to warn about the increased risk of Zoloft birth defects. These plaintiffs are seeking to recover damages for medical costs and other expenses associated with the treatment of the Zoloft birth defects. Many of the children required multiple surgeries to treat the birth injuries. In many cases, the Zoloft birth defects have a permanent effect on the child’s quality of life.

Learn about Your Legal Rights

If you or someone you love took antidepressants while pregnant and gave birth to a child with significant birth defects, you may be able to file a Zoloft birth defect lawsuit. If your Zoloft lawsuit is successful, you could receive compensation for your pain and suffering, emotional distress, medical expenses and other damages you experienced.

To learn more about your legal options, visit the Zoloft, Paxil, Celexa, Lexapro & Prozac SSRI Antidepressant Birth Defect Class Action Lawsuit Investigation page. When you submit information about your child’s Zoloft birth defects, an attorney will conduct a free case evaluation to determine if you qualify to file a Zoloft lawsuit. By taking legal action, you can help other potential victims become informed about the dangers of Zoloft birth defects. You can also help to hold drug manufacturers accountable for warning doctors and patients about their products’ health risks.