Titled “Behavioral evaluation of male and female mice pups exposed to fluoxetine during pregnancy and lactation.”, an article by SF Lisboa and a team of researchers from State University of Londrina (Londrina, Brazil) that appeared in Pharmacology (2007) illustrates reasons to avoid Prozac use during pregnancy.  For clarity, “fluoxetine” is the chemical name for Prozac.

Lisboa et al. (2007) write “Fluoxetine (FLX) has been widely prescribed for depression during pregnancy and/or lactation. Since serotonin is a neurotrophic factor, the use of FLX by mothers could disrupt brain development resulting in behavioral alterations in their progeny. This study evaluated the effects of developmental FLX exposure on anxiety, depression, aggressivity and pain sensitivity of male and female mice pups.”

After giving Prozac to mice during pregnancy, the team evaluated the behavior of the babies.  Results showed that “In male pups, exposure to FLX decreased ambulation at postnatal day (PND) 40 and tended (p=0.07) to increase the latency to the first attack in the intruder-resident test at PND 70, suggesting decreased impulsivity. In female pups, FLX exposure increased immobility time in the forced swimming test at both PND 30 and 70, which is interpreted as depressive-like behavior.”

As such, the study concluded by stating “our results suggest that maternal exposure to FLX during pregnancy and lactation results in enduring behavioral alterations in male and female pups throughout life.”

Due to the fact that the manufacturer of Prozac has failed time and again to adequately warn users of the risks for adverse birth outcomes resulting from Prozac in pregnancy, a number of Prozac® birth defects lawsuits are currently being filed.

If you or a loved one used Prozac and your child was born with a congenital malformation or suffered complications, your family may be entitled to significant financial compensation.  For a free, no-obligation case consultation, contact our team of Prozac® 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.