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Zoloft Birth Defects



• Zoloft Abdominal Birth Defects
• Zoloft Birth Defects
• Zoloft Birth Defects Lawsuit
• Zoloft Birth Defects Lawyer
• Zoloft Birth Defects Risks
• Zoloft Congenital Heart Defects
• Zoloft Cranial Birth Defects
• Zoloft Limb Reduction Birth Defects
• Zoloft Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome after Birth
• Zoloft and PPHN
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Zoloft® is the brand name of the generic Sertaline hydrochloride, which is a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant sold by pharmaceutical giant Pfizer. Zoloft® has been linked to a number of birth defects occurring after the mother has taken Zoloft® before or during pregnancy.

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has placed Zoloft® in its Pregnancy Category C class of drugs. Placement in this class means that animal reproduction studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus and the mother when given Zoloft®.

Zoloft® side effects can also occur in infants who are breast fed by mothers who are taking the antidepressant medication.

The birth defects associated with Zoloft® and other SSRI's range from post-birth withdrawal ( neonatal abstinence syndrome) to physical development defects (missing limbs, for example) to serious cardiovascular organ defects.

Long Term Birth Defects of Zoloft®

The types of birth defects associated with Zoloft® and pregnancy are known to be those that are found in other SSRI's:

• Heart defects
• Serious lung conditions
• Cranial/Skull defects
• Developmental delays (often a symptom of a birth defect)
• Abdominal wall defects (intestines and liver remain outside of the abdomen in a sac)
• Club feet
• Webbed fingers

Many of these conditions require one or more surgeries to correct, though some are incurable. Most have long-term developmental and emotional impacts that may be irreversible.

Should I Stop Taking My Antidepressant if Pregnant?

One obvious question that women who are or may become pregnant ask is whether they should stop taking their antidepressant in order to avoid having infants born with Zoloft®-induced birth effects, as well as avoiding the impact of their own Zoloft® side effects on a pregnancy. Unfortunately, there is no easy answer to that question of whether to cease taking the antidepressant medication in case of pregnancy.

In addition to the risks of the original condition for which the medication is prescribed returning, the patient and her doctor must consider the impact of withdrawal symptoms that occur when patients stop taking this medication. Withdrawal from medications such as Zoloft® can be severe and may be more of a risk to the pregnancy than the medication itself.

There is no definitive answer as to what the best course of action is and doctors and their patients must look at every benefit and weigh it against the risks.

Filing a Zoloft Birth Defects Lawsuit

For more information about the birth defect risks associated with Zoloft® use, consult your physician. Zoloft birth defects are a serious and real concern for expectant mothers and new mothers, so contact our Zoloft® attorneys for legal help. We may be able to get you compensation for your injuries and suffering.

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