ANTIDEPRESSANTS
AND BIRTH DEFECTS
Certain antidepressant/anxiety medications can cause birth defects if a woman takes them during pregnancy:
- SSRIs (Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are used to treat anxiety and depression
- Effexor is used to treat major depression and anxiety disorders
- Zoloft is an SSRI used to treat depression and panic attacks
- Bupropion is sold under the names Wellbutrin and Zyban
- If you or someone you know took an anti-depressant drug while pregnant and your child was born with any type of birth defect, please call our offices or fill out the form for a free case evaluation with one of our attorneys.
Message from Howard Nations
SSRI
- SSRIs (Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are used to treat anxiety and depression
- 6x greater risk of PPHN (Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn) if taken during the last trimester of pregnancy
- Also causes brain defects, limb defects, lung defects, heart defects and face defects
- All defects have long term affect on the child
Effexor and Pristiq
- Effexor is used to treat major depression and anxiety disorders
- Sixth most commonly prescribed antidepressant in the U.S.
- When used during 1st trimester, Effexor linked to many birth defects
- PPHN most common defect
Zoloft
- Zoloft is an SSRI used to treat depression and panic attacks
- Known to cause atrial septal defects and ventricular septal defects in newborns
- If taken during 1st trimester, heart defect 60% more likely
- British Journal of Medicine indicates Zoloft doubles risk of defects in infants
Wellbutrin and Zyban
- Bupropion is sold under the names Wellbutrin and Zyban
- American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology linked medicines to birth defects
- Birth defects occur in 3.7% of children whose mother took Wellbutrin
- Most often children affected with heart or lung defects
We represent women and children across the country who have been injured by these drugs.
If you or someone you know took Effexor, Pristiq, Zoloft, Wellbutrin, Zyban or any other SSRI/SNRI drug while pregnant and your child was born with any type of birth defect, please contact our offices at 1-800-269-3050 for a free case evaluation with one of our attorneys.