Pregnant women who took Celexa, Paxil, Lexapro, Zoloft or other SSRI medications and delivered a baby with a congenital, abdominal, skull or heart birth defect may be eligible to seek compensation for their newborn’s condition, medical bills and other damages resulting from the baby’s injuries if they were unaware of the health risks associated with anxiety medication, and if the cause of the injuries were related to the use of the medication. However, women who are considering filing an SSRI lawsuit are urged to act quickly as failure to pursue a claim within the statute of limitations may prohibit legal action in the future. That is why it is important to at least contact an attorney for a free consultation now, and understand what your legal options could be.
What are SSRIs?
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are among the most frequently prescribed antidepressant medications across the globe. According to research, these medications can help to ease moderate to severe anxiety and depression and are relatively safe when taken as prescribed. Additionally, many providers in the medical community believe that SSRIs do not cause as many serious side effects as other antidepressant medications.
These drugs work by blocking the reabsorption of serotonin in the brain. By changing the balance of serotonin, brain can better receive and send chemical messages, which in turn boosts patients’ moods.
Health Risks Associated with Anxiety Medication
All SSRIs work in similar manners and cause similar side effects. However, each medication is comprised of a different chemical makeup so one patient may be affected differently than another. While most side effects disappear after the first two to three weeks following the initial dosage, common effects include:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Weight loss or gain
- Insomnia
- Drowsiness
- Reduced sexual desire
- Dizziness
- Difficulty reaching orgasm
- Erectile dysfunction
- Restlessness, agitation, nervousness
- Nausea
- Bleeding into the gut
- Increased risk of fractures
- Increased suicidal tendencies
Are SSRIs Dangerous for Women?
Unfortunately, the health risks associated with anxiety medication are not always stressed to pregnant women. In fact, many women across the country are filing lawsuits resulting from the lack of a warning directed to pregnant women on the labels of the medications and alleged injuries caused to their babies as a result of taking the medication. While SSRIs may not be particularly dangerous for women as a whole, pregnant women should exercise extreme caution to avoid taking a medication linked to birth defects.
For instance, according to reports, Paxil may increase the risk of lung and heart complications in newborns whose mothers had taken the drug while pregnant. If women find they are pregnant and are currently taking an SSRI, they are urged to seek counsel from their mental health and medical care providers about the possible dangers and risks of continuing treatment.
Additional health risks associated with anxiety medication include a higher than average risk for premature delivery and low birth weight, particularly in the final three months of pregnancy. At birth, newborns may exhibit withdrawal symptoms including respiratory distress, seizures, shivering, irritability, crying and jitters.
SSRIs and Birth Defects
Women may be eligible to work with attorneys to file an SSRI lawsuit and seek compensation for their injuries if they took Zoloft or other SSRI antidepressants while pregnant. Studies show that health risks associated with anxiety medications may result in an increased risk of birth defects in newborns whose mother took SSRIs during pregnancy. In light of recent allegations of birth defects caused by SSRIs, attorneys are reviewing claims from women who had taken Paxil, Zoloft, Celexa and other SSRI drugs while pregnant and who delivered babies with the following birth defects:
- Heart defects
- Coarctation of the aorta
- Transportation of the great arteries (TGA)
- Tetralogy of fallot (TOF)
- Craniosynostosis
- Spina bifida
- Omphalocele
- Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS)
Additionally, atrial septal defects (ASD), ventricular septal defects (VSD), holes in the heart and club foot have also been linked to SSRI use during pregnancy in women who were unaware of the potential health risks associated with anxiety medication. If your child was born with any of these birth defects, you may have a basis to work with attorneys and file a lawsuit to seek compensation.
Suffering from Complications? Attorneys Can Help
If you or someone you love were unaware of the health risks associated with anxiety medication and took SSRIs while pregnant only to deliver a baby with birth defects, you may be entitled to receive compensation for medical bills and injuries. Here at Attorney Group, we are available to answer any questions you may have and help you to decide whether you have a claim. If we feel that you do have legal recourse, we will connect you with affiliated attorneys that can assist you and pursue compensation for suffering and damages, at no upfront cost to you. So contact Attorney Group today for your free consultation.
