Titled “Treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in the third trimester of pregnancy: effects on the infant.”, a 2005 Drug Safety article by H. Nordeng and a team from The University of Oslo (Norway) explores the effects of late pregnancy exposure to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor drugs (SSRIs). In the past two decades, droves of research teams have linked SSRI exposure to a range of negative consequences including SSRI heart defects and neurological birth defects.
Stating “Pharmacotherapy in pregnant women is often necessary to treat chronic or relapsing depression or anxiety disorders. … Fewer studies have assessed the safety of SSRIs in the third trimester of pregnancy. This article reviews available human data on the safety of SSRI treatment in the third trimester”, this team writes that their purpose was “to present and discuss the existing literature on the risks to the infant and to suggest treatment guidelines for the use of SSRIs in late pregnancy.”
Here are some excerpts from the Nordeng findings:
“The use of SSRIs in the third trimester has shown various perinatal complications, most frequently respiratory distress, irritability and feeding problems. … Studies have shown conflicting results with respect to whether SSRI exposure decreases birthweight and increases the risk of premature delivery. A few case reports have described intracerebral haemorrhage in neonates after maternal SSRI treatment … Data on possible long-term effects of prenatal SSRI exposure on psychomotor and behavioural development are very sparse. … the neonate should be monitored for possible adverse effects after maternal use of an SSRI in the third trimester.”
Since SSRI drug manufacturers have failed time and again to warn women of the risk for adverse birth outcomes and birth defected to prenatal SSRI exposure, thousands of SSRI birth defect lawsuits are currently being filed around the world.
If you or a loved one used SSRIs and gave birth to a child with a congenital malformation, your family 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 compassion, resources, and experience 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.