- Examiner

06/20/2011 - Certain antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications taken during pregnancy, including Celexa, Effexor, Lexapro, Paxil, Zoloft, Pristiq, Prozac and Sarafen, have been linked to the presence of birth defects in newborns. These drugs are all SSRI's (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), which boost mood by their action on the neurotransmitter serotonin.

Attributed to SSRI use during various stages of pregnancy (noted since 2005) are defects of the heart, lung, brain & spinal cord, abnormally shaped skull, abdominal wall defects, club foot, complete or partial closure of the anus, cleft lip & cleft palate, and limb abnormalities.

Another very serious result is Neonatal PPHN (Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension), an illness that causes high blood pressure in the lungs so that the baby cannot get enough oxygen into his/her bloodstream. Most babies born with this illness will not live long.

Also, the risk of miscarriage when mothers took SSRI's during the first trimester of pregnancy was found to be 68% higher.

Newborn drug addiction, called neonatal abstinence syndrome, has occurred in approximately 30% of babies whose mothers used SSRI's during pregnancy.

Use of SSRI's in later months of pregnancy was found to cause delays in infants' motor development.

Researchers found that women who took Paxil or Prozac could be twice as likely to have stillborn or underweight babies, premature births, or seizures in their newborns.

Major research has been done in Canada, Wales, the UK, Sweden, and the US.

The FDA first filed a Public Health Advisory in 2005, warning against the use of SSRI's in the first trimester, due to resulting severe heart defects.

The second Public Health Advisory from the FDA was filed in 2006, warning that SSRI use after the 20th week of pregnancy resulted in 6 times more PPHN in babies.

One must conclude that SSRI drugs for anxiety and depression are dangerous at any time during pregnancy. Although doctors may continue to prescribe them, there are many ongoing lawsuits.

Under no circumstances should you discontinue taking any medication, including SSRI's, without first consulting with your doctor. 

If you or a loved one have experienced Paxil Side Effects, Zoloft Side Effects, or Effexor Side Effects such as birth defects or suicide you may be entitled to compensation. Contact the birth defects attorneys of Ennis & Ennis today for a free confidential case evaluation. Our on staff nurse and lawyers are standing by to answer any questions you may have regarding SSRI side effects, a possible Paxil class action lawsuit, or any other type of SSRI litigation. Call us toll-free at: 1.800.856.6405 or fill out the free case evaluation form on this page.