Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, are some of the most commonly prescribed drugs in the world. These medications are intended to block serotonin from reabsorbing into the brain, thus altering the patient’s chemical balances and elevating his or her mood. Patients often receive prescriptions for SSRIs if they are suffering from symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mood or mental disorders.
However, recent studies have linked SSRIs to a potentially increased risk of birth defects in babies whose mothers took the medications while pregnant. In addition to an increased risk of low birth weight and prematurity, SSRIs can allegedly cause several serious and life-threatening health complications. If you would like to learn more about filing an SSRI lawsuit in California, contact Attorney Group for California today.
SSRIs and Birth Defects
SSRIs reportedly can cause diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and headache. However, SSRIs such as Zoloft, Paxil, Lexapro, Celexa, and others may also cause several life-threatening conditions in children, such as:
- Club foot
- Spina bifida
- Tetralogy of fallot
- Heart defects
- Transportation of the great arteries
- Omphalocele
- Coarctation of the great aorta
- Craniosynostosis
SSRI Manufacturers Named as Defendants
Plaintiffs throughout the U.S. are currently pursuing claims against several manufacturers of SSRIs after the women delivered children with birth defects. Court documents indicate that all of the lawsuits involving Zoloft have recently been consolidated into a multidistrict litigation in the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania. There are currently more than 521 Zoloft lawsuits in the proceeding.
Current lawsuits claim that the manufacturers knew of the potential risks of taking SSRIs during pregnancy yet failed to warn healthcare providers and patients of these alleged dangers. As a result, women claim that their children were born with birth defects caused by the medications and they were not adequately informed of the risks of taking SSRIs during pregnancy. If you believe that you have an SSRI lawsuit and would like to learn more about pursuing a claim to seek compensation for your child’s pain and suffering, medical expenses, and more, consider seeking legal counsel today.
Contact Us Today to File Your California SSRI Lawsuit
If you delivered a baby with birth defects and you were taking an SSRI during your pregnancy, consider seeking legal counsel to learn more about your options. Attorney Group for California can review your case, free of charge, and help you determine whether you are able to pursue a claim. We can also connect you with one of our affiliated attorneys in California who can file your SSRI lawsuit. Call today.
