What Are SSRIs and What Do They Do?
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, are the current first-line treatment for major depression. By increasing serotonin levels in the brain, they are able to cause an elevated state in mood and outlook for patients. They have proven to be an effective drug in treating major depression. There are many different SSRIs, the most popular of which include Prozac, Celexa, Lexapro, Paxil, and Zoloft, but studies have shown only marginal differences between them.
SSRIs and Risk for Pregnant Women
Research studies have also recently raised serious concerns about the safety of SSRIs. A significant concern is the risk of birth defects for pregnant women taking these drugs. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2006 revealed a significant correlation between congenital heart defects and SSRI exposure during pregnancy. Other studies have found a link between SSRI exposure and clubfoot, persistent pulmonary hypertension, and other otherwise-rare birth defects. Furthermore, infants who had previously been exposed to SSRIs might suffer from mental health issues as well. A Norwegian study found that SSRI use was associated with lower language competence. Other studies have suggested associations with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The evidence brought by these studies suggests that SSRIs can cross the placental barrier and cause harm to the fetus.
A Surge in SSRI Lawsuits
In the last decade, there has been a sharp increase in the number of SSRI lawsuits. Because the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) only began requiring pharmaceutical companies to label SSRIs with a warning about the risk of birth defects in 2006, pregnant women were generally unaware of the risks before that. There are currently over 500 SSRI lawsuits filed against Pfizer claiming that the company failed to inform pregnant mothers of the risks associated with their SSRI, Zoloft.
Consider Filing a Lawsuit in Kansas
If you live in Kansas and you believe that your child might have been born with a birth defect as a result of an SSRI, contact Attorney Group for Kansas today to determine whether you are eligible to file an SSRI lawsuit. We can help answer questions or concerns you might have about the litigation process or about filing a lawsuit. We can provide you with a case evaluation at no cost, and if you decide to proceed with a claim, we can connect you with an affiliated attorney in Kansas who can help you seek the compensation you may be entitled to.
