Using SSRIs During Pregnancy May Cause Birth Defects
By Anne Bucher
Many women find that they need to take medications during their pregnancy. Although pregnant women are often cautioned to be careful about what they consume during their pregnancies, they often find it exceedingly difficult to find reliable information about dangers that certain drugs pose to a fetus. Some brands are safer than others, though it is difficult to determine which ones will be effective to treat the condition while posing few side effects to the growing child.
Treating Depression during Pregnancy
Antidepressants have become the most commonly prescribed medication in the U.S. for people between the ages of 18 and 44. The use of antidepressants has increased by more than 400 percent over the last 20 years and they are used by nearly 5 percent of pregnant women. When treating pregnant women for depression, doctors generally prefer to prescribe SSRIs over other types of antidepressants because they have fewer side effects. SSRI antidepressants work by preventing the reuptake of serotonin. Low serotonin levels have been linked to depression. SSRIs increase the amount of serotonin that can be received by the brain.
Types of popular SSRI antidepressants include:
- Celexa (citalopram)
- Lexapro (escitalopram)
- Paxil (paroxetine)
- Prozac (fluoxetine)
- Zoloft (sertraline)
Women who take antidepressants face a challenging dilemma of whether to forego the medication to protect their baby or whether to maintain use of the antidepressant to maintain their own mental health treatment during pregnancy. Depressed women who stop taking antidepressants during pregnancy may be at increased risk for postpartum depression. While ceasing to continue the drugs may be harmful to the woman, depression can have serious health consequences as well. A woman who suffers from depression may take poor care of her health, fail to seek prenatal care or give into harmful habits such as drinking or smoking.
Birth Defects Associated with SSRI Use during Pregnancy
While certain SSRIs are generally considered to be a safe option for pregnant women, it is important to weigh the risks against the potential benefits of the treatment. Paroxetine, which is sold under the brand name Paxil, has been associated with serious birth defects. SSRIs have been shown to increase the risk of newborns experiencing serious lung problems or heart defects at birth. Its use is generally discouraged during the first three months of pregnancy.
According to a study published in an October 2012 issue of Human Reproduction, researchers found that SSRIs were only slightly more effective than placebo pills when treating depression in pregnant women. The study found that women who took antidepressants suffered an increase in miscarriage. Antidepressant use was also associated with hypertension and preeclampsia, conditions that can be extremely dangerous. Women considering using SSRI antidepressants during pregnancy should carefully weigh the risks and benefits associated with the drug.
SSRI Birth Defect Lawsuits on the Rise
Many women have filed SSRI lawsuits against drug manufacturers, claiming that the manufacturers failed to provide adequate warnings about the risk of significant birth defects associated with the use of SSRI antidepressants during pregnancy. If you were treated with SSRI antidepressants during your pregnancy and your newborn suffered from serious birth defects, you may be able to attain legal remedies. Learn how to protect your legal rights by visiting our Zoloft, Paxil, Celexa, Lexapro, Depakote & Prozac SSRI Antidepressant Birth Defect Class Action Lawsuit Investigation page.
Updated March 28th, 2013
All medical device, dangerous drug and medical class action and lawsuit news updates are listed in the Drug and Medical Device section of Top Class Actions.
Top Class Actions Legal Statement
