Antidepressant drugs are commonly used during pregnancy. Fetus Exposure to these drugs may have some unwanted side effects. The Department of Histology and Embryology, 3rd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, in Czech Republic, conducted a study called “Antidepressant Drug Exposure During Pregnancy. CZTIS small prospective study”, where they investigated the risk assessment of SSRI exposure and possible increase of inborn defects, neonatal abstinence syndrome and cognitive ability or behavioral defects associated with SSRI’s.
Author Manakova E. states “In our study, we prospectively followed groups of pregnancies in years 2002-2009, that were exposed to SSRI. As control group we used 1) women exposed to new atypical antidepressant and anti-psychotics – APD (risperidone, mirtazapine, venlafaxine, trazodone, aripiprazole, ziprasidone, olanzapine), 2) women exposed to nonteratogenic drugs and 3) the general population according to Institute of Health Informations and Statistics.” The study enrolled 43 women exposed to SSRI and 37 women exposed to new psychotropic drugs. SSRI exposure was associated with polytherapy. Citalopram, escitalopram, and setraline were the SSRI’s most commonly used. The results showed significantly higher rates of elective terminations in the group given SSRI’s. Higher frequency of abortions was found in the APD group. Overall frequency of malformations was not found to be varied, being in all groups in expected range. Manakova E. concludes by stating, “We confirmed that SSRI exposure during pregnancy was not associated with the higher risk of major malformation. However, number of cases was low and did not allow the statistical treatment with higher power.”
Due to the fact that many SSRI manufacturers have time and again failed to warn users of the risk for birth defects associated with their products, a number of SSRI birth defects lawsuits have been filed. If you or a loved one used SSRIs during pregnancy and your child was born with a birth defect, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation for the injuries you family sustained by no fault of your own.
For more information, please feel free to contact our team of SSRI birth defect lawyers at the information below. We have the experience, resources, and skills required to win the justice you deserve.
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Our SSRI Birth Defects Lawsuit Information page is a great place to start if you have any questions about SSRIs and Birth Defects.