A new study reports that a mother's use of SSRI antidepressants increases the risk of autism.
Children born to women who took antidepressants during pregnancy may be at increased risk to be born with autism, heart birth defects, lung birth defects and other congenital birth defects. The drugs in the class of Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors (SSRI) include Prozac (fluoxetine), Paxil (paroxetine), Zoloft (sertraline), Celexa (citalopram), Lexapro (escitalopram) and Wellbutrin (bupropion).
The epidemiological literature has found that women who used Paxil in the first trimester of pregnancy were more likely to have children born with congenital heart abnormalities. Those include children born with pulmonary atresia, pulmonary stenosis, atrial septal defects, ventricular septal defects and other life threatening conditions.
More alarming is a study published on July 5, 2011, researchers reported that women exposed to SSRI antidepressants at any time during a one year period before delivery were more than twice as likely to have a child born with ASD (autism spectrum disorder). Those who took the drugs during the first trimester were nearly four times more likely to have an autistic child.
Other SSRI studies have also linked lung, cranio-facial, limb (arm, hand, leg, foot) and abdominal wall malformations to other SSRI drugs.
Side Effects for SSRI babies include, but are not limited to the following:
Antidepressants classified as Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors (SSRI) work by boosting serotonin levels in the brain, resulting in the regulation of mood, sleep and appetite. Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, Celexa, Lexapro and other SSRIs affect chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause symptoms. SSRI antidepressants are typically prescribed to treat depression, bulimia nervosa, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
Actions have been brought on behalf of children who suffer birth defects caused by exposure to SSRI drugs during pregnancy. Our attorneys have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for victims, providing for their future care and expenses.
If you or someone you know had a child who was born with a congenital heart defect, autism or other birth defect, and the child was exposed to SSRI antidepressants during pregnancy, they may be entitled to significant compensation. Contact us today to learn whether your child can be compensated.
Make sure to contact our experienced, compassionate and knowledgeable birth defects lawyers by using our contact form or call the number above.
