Zoloft and Birth Defect PPHN

Zoloft (known generically as sertraline) is a drug used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Zoloft is in a class of drugs known as SSRIs—Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors. Studies have found a link between SSRIs, such as Zoloft, and PPHN, a life-threatening lung disorder. These medications have also been linked to an increased risk of heart defects in newborns.

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Zoloft and PPHN

Pulmonary Hypertension is a serious heart and lung disorder. When a person has PPH, the blood vessels in the lungs constrict, increasing pressure in the pulmonary artery, a life-threatening situation.

Zololft PPHN

Symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, dizziness and fainting spells. The most effective way to treat a person with PPH is a lung transplant. In rare cases a heart transplant may also be required.

A newborn with PPHN may have rapid breathing and heart rate, difficulty breathing or bluish looking skin.

Up to 20% of newborns with PPHN will die, even with treatment. A recent [FDA Health Advisory] states that women who took SSRIs during pregnancy are at six times the risk of delivering a baby that has PPHN, than those who do not take an SSRI drug.

However, in December 2011, the FDA issued an announcement that there is no clear causal link between SSRI use while pregnant and the development of PPHN. Although two studies suggested a link between the use of SSRIs while pregnant and the development of PPHN, three studies did not support such an association. The FDA advises women who are taking antidepressants while pregnant not to stop because of the risk to the fetus of having untreated depression.

Much is still unknown about using Zoloft during pregnancy. The FDA places Zoloft in the pregnancy Category C, which means that animal studies have shown possible fetal harm, but human trials do not show that the risk of birth defects is greater than the risks involved in discontinuing the drug.

Babies whose mothers have taken Zoloft during pregnancy, can suffer withdrawal symptoms such as agitation, constant crying, poor feeding and insomnia.

Pregnant women should work closely with their doctors in order to determine whether or not to stop taking Zoloft during pregnancy.

Zoloft Birth Defect Legal Help

If you took Zoloft during pregnancy, and your child was born with lung birth defects, or developed lung defects later in life, please contact a lawyer to discuss your case by clicking the link below. There is no charge to have your claim reviewed by a lawyer.

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Last updated on Feb-1-12

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Detroit, MI: As more parents reportedly join a Zoloft lawsuit, alleging that infants exposed to the antidepressant prior to birth are at an increased risk of so-called Zoloft heart birth defects, a new study suggests a link between the use of Zoloft while pregnant and a risk of Zoloft side effects in infants [READ MORE]

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