A 2011 article published in that year’s December edition of the medical journal Reproductive Toxicology provides a bit of deeper insight into the connection between prenatal exposure to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and heart defects.
In the article, titled “Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and heart defects: potential mechanisms for the observed associations.”, T.W. Sadler writes that serotonin is not only a neurotransmitter, but also “acts as a signaling molecule during embryogenesis affecting cell proliferation, migration, death, and differentiation. Serotonin may be particularly important for heart development and evidence suggests that from the time that progenitor heart cells are patterned during the establishment of laterality, to formation of the outflow tract, to myocardial cell differentiation, to septation of the heart chambers, the neurotransmitter may act as an important signaling molecule.”
The author goes on, stating “Thus, numerous investigations have identified potential target sites where serotonin could regulate key cellular processes in cardiac development, thereby providing biological plausibility for the origin of heart defects caused by SSRIs.”
This article is important in two ways. First, it helps unravel how SSRI drugs could be linked to heart malformations. Second, it takes for granted that SSRI drugs are linked to heart malformations, illustrating the cohesion within the medical community surrounding this topic.
Because many women have used SSRIs during pregnancy unaware of the risk for heart birth defects, a number of SSRI Birth Defects Lawsuits have been filed.
If you or a loved one used SSRIs and gave birth to a child with a heart defect or another malformation, or who had perinatal complications, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation. For a free, no-obligation case consultation, contact our team of SSRI birth defect 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.
(855) 452 – 5529
Our SSRI Birth Defects Lawsuit Information page is a great place to start if you have any questions about SSRIs and Birth Defects.