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Zoloft and Birth Defect PPHN
Zoloft is a drug used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. Zoloft is an SSRI - Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor.
 If taken during pregnancy, particularly the third trimester, Zoloft has been linked to serious side effects in the newborn. Primary Pulmonary Hypertension (PPH) or Primary Pulmonary Hypertension in the Newborn (PPHN) is a serious, life-threatening lung disorder in which the arteries to the lungs remain constricted and limit the amount of blood flowing to the lungs, which limits the amount of oxygen in the bloodstream.
Pulmonary Hypertension is a serious heart and lung disorder. It is called "Primary" Pulmonary Hypertension when there is no apparent cause. When a person has PPH, the blood vessels in the lungs constrict, increasing pressure in the pulmonary artery, a life-threatening situation.
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 the drug.
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. Zoloft is known to be transferred to the baby through the placenta and through breast milk.
Babies whose mothers have taken Zoloft during pregnancy, 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 Articles
Zoloft Causes Heartbreak for New Mothers
It has been well over a year since a study found a link between the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), including Zoloft, while pregnant and the incidence of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN). The study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine. However, the heartbreak experienced by women who were pregnant when they took Zoloft has not diminished. Now, mothers of babies affected by PPHN are investigating the possibility of lawsuits against Zoloft's maker.
Taking Zoloft During Pregnancy Linked to Birth Defects
Less than a year ago, in July 2006, the FDA issued a Public Health Advisory on a birth defect found to be associated with Zoloft and other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants by a study in the February 2006 New England Journal of Medicine that found a higher risk of a life-threatening lung disorder in infants exposed to SSRIs.
Behind the Scenes Snake Oil Salesmen
SSRIs a Deadly Prescription
Zoloft Heart Birth Defects
Zoloft in the News
JUN-03-07: Australian researchers have found that Zoloft does not help cancer patients with minor depression, anxiety, or fatigue. [MEDPAGE TODAY: ZOLOFT]
JAN-11-07: Web MD says the FDA has received hundreds of reports on adverse side effects in babies from SSRIs including Prozac, Paxil, Luvox, Zoloft, and Celexa. [COUNTER CURRENTS: ZOLOFT SIDE EFFECTS]
NOV-30-06: Obstetricians warn expectant women and those trying to become pregnant to avoid taking antidepressants because of a risk of birth defects. [CBC: ZOLOFT BIRTH DEFECTS]
Zoloft Complaints:
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.
Posted on Nov-2-06
Updated on Oct-30-09 |
ARTICLES AND INTERVIEWS
New study may verify Zoloft birth defects
 New York, NY: Treating depression in pregnant women may require increasingly meticulous scrutiny, as a recent study published in the British Medical Journal has linked a mother's use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) - chemical compounds commonly found in antidepressants like Zoloft – with heart defects in children, suggesting that Zoloft birth defects are a very real danger. [ Read More ]
Zoloft Causes Heartbreak for New Mothers
Boston, MA: It has been well over a year since a study found a link between the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), including Zoloft, while pregnant and the incidence of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN). The study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine (February 9, 2006). However, the heartbreak experienced by women who were pregnant when they took Zoloft has not diminished. Now, mothers of babies affected by PPHN are investigating the possibility of lawsuits against Zoloft's maker. [ Read More ]
Taking Zoloft During Pregnancy Linked to Birth Defects
 Washington, DC: Less than a year ago, in July 2006, the FDA issued a Public Health Advisory on a birth defect found to be associated with Zoloft and other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants by a study in the February 2006 New England Journal of Medicine that found a higher risk of a life-threatening lung disorder in infants exposed to SSRIs, stating: [ Read More ]
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