SSRI Antidepressants Birth Defects Lawsuit

SSRIs or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are a popular type of antidepressant meant to ease symptoms of depression and anxiety. This class of drugs is made up of popular names such as Celexa, Prozac, Lexapro, Zoloft, Paxil, Cymbalta and Effexor. These drugs are also occasionally given to patients to treat panic disorders, social anxiety, eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and irritable bowel syndrome.

Unfortunately, numerous studies have found an association between birth defects and the use of SSRIs by pregnant women. SSRIs have also been linked to worsening signs of depression, including a 6 percent increase in suicidal attempts and thoughts. Prolonged use of the antidepressant is also believed to cause a condition known as serotonin syndrome, which us caused by unsafe levels of the chemical in the body.

SSRIs can also affect newborns when taken by pregnant women. These drugs have been linked to neonatal abstinence syndrome, persistent pulmonary hypertension, and other complications. Other serious birth defects linked to SSRIs include heart defects, limb defects such as club foot, cleft lip or cleft palate, neurological defects, and autism spectrum disorders.

In 2004, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ordered a black box warning about the drug’s suicide risk in children. Two years later, however, the FDA also recommended that the warning apply to users aged 18 to 25.

Pharmaceutical companies are held liable in situations where their product causes unexpected harm when used as it is intended to. Individuals in the state of Florida and throughout the country who have developed a serious health condition or have had a child born with a birth defect due to the use of SSRIs may have the grounds to file a class action lawsuit against the manufacturer to seek monetary compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages associated with their diagnosis. At The Law Offices of Philip DeBerard, Injury Attorney, our team of legal professionals can help clients all across the country with SSRI cases.

Contact Us Today For a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one is dealing with a health condition or defect due to the use of SSRIs, contact us immediately and get your case evaluated.

Let us put our 40 years of experience to work for you. Call us today at 1-800-299-8878 for a free and confidential case evaluation.