A 2012 article by V. Bellissima et al. published in Current Medicinal Chemistry titled “selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor drugs (SSRIs) during pregnancy” cites stark data regarding perinatal outcomes of children born to mothers who used SSRI during pregnancy.
This team, from a children’s hospital in Italy, states that “Although a number of studies have shown that these antidepressants are not teratogenic, some of them have reported an increase of congenital malformations after antenatal exposure to SSRIs. Moreover, fetal behavior is affected by these drugs, 30% of infants suffer from neonatal withdrawal symptoms and long term sequelae have not yet been excluded.”
For clarity, we can in this setting understand “teratogenic” as term applied to substances that can cause birth defects, and “long term sequelae” means later-in-life symptoms and behavioral or developmental consequences of neonatal exposure to SSRIs.
Over the past two decades, medical researchers have determined that SSRI drugs are associated with an increased risk for a variety of heart defects, neurological defects, craniofacial defects, adaptation difficulty, and developmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder.
Unfortunately, the manufacturers of these drugs have time and again failed to adequately warn expecting mothers of these risks, prompting a number of SSRI birth defects lawsuits.
If you or a loved one used SSRIs and gave birth to a child with a congenital malformation or with neonatal adaptation syndrome, 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.