In the December, 2007 edition of Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, a team of Swedish researchers led by R. Lennestål titled “Delivery outcome in relation to maternal use of some recently introduced antidepressants.” explores birth outcomes for babies exposed to antidepressant drugs such as serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor drugs (SNRIs) and noradrenergic reuptake inhibitors (NRIs).

The team writes “Using the Swedish Medical Birth Registry, we identified 732 women who had used SNRI/NRI drugs in early pregnancy. Maternal characteristics were studied as well as delivery outcome: pregnancy duration, birth weight, neonatal diagnoses, infant deaths, and congenital malformations” and states that “Comparisons were made with all deliveries in the population (n = 860,215),” meaning that birth outcomes of the 732 women who used antidepressants during pregnancy were compared to 860,000 control cases.

Results showed “The rate of preterm births was significantly increased (odds ratio, 1.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.19-2.15), and neonatal symptoms such as respiratory problems, low Apgar score, hypoglycemia, and neonatal convulsions showed a similar pattern as seen after maternal SSRI treatment” and the team maintains that “Delivery outcome after exposure to SNRI/NRI drugs resembles much what has been described after use of SSRI drugs.”

To be clear, these results showed (among other things) that the risk for preterm birth was increased by 60% over non-users.

Because so many women have used SSRIs and SNRIs unaware of the risks for adverse outcomes, a number of SSRI birth defect lawsuits have been filed.

If you or a loved one used SSRIs and gave birth to a child with a congenital 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

justinian@dangerousdrugs.us

Our SSRI Birth Defects Lawsuit Information page is a great place to start if you have any questions about SSRIs and Birth Defects.