A recent article by P. Broy et al. published in Current Drug Delivery titled “Gestational exposure to antidepressants and the risk of spontaneous abortion: a review.” provides important insight into the connection between in vitro exposure to SSRI drugs and spontaneous abortion. SSRI drugs are a relatively new class of antidepressant medications, which aim to regulate (increase) serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is an important neurotransmitter involved in mood, sleep, appetite, and fetal development.
The team writes “Although the relationship between antidepressant use during pregnancy and its adverse effects has been widely investigated, very few studies have evaluated the impact of antidepressant use during pregnancy on the risk of spontaneous abortion” and states “We present an overview of the evidence relating to the association between antidepressant use during gestation and the risk of spontaneous abortion.”
Reviewing fifteen previously-conducted studies, these researchers found that “paroxetine (OR = 1.7; 95% CI = 1.3 – 2.3) and venlafaxine (OR = 2.1; 95% CI = 1.3 – 3.3) were significantly associated with the risk of spontaneous abortion.”
In non-scientific terms, this means that Paxil (paroxetine) increases the risk for spontaneous abortion by 70% over placebo, and that Effexor (venlafaxine) was shown to increase the risk for spontaneous abortion by 210%, just more than double.
If you or a loved one used SSRIs during pregnancy and suffered spontaneous abortion or gave birth to a child with a congenital malformation, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation through a Paxil® birth defects lawsuit or an Effexor® birth defects lawsuit. For a free, no-obligation case consultation, contact our team of SSRI Birth Defects Lawyers at the information provided below. We have the experience, resources, and skills required to win the justice you deserve. Call today and see how we can help.
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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.