Paxil®, Zoloft®, Celexa®, and other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants and their effects on birth defects have been the subject of numerous studies.  In 2005, two different studies showed a link between Paxil® and an increase in the risk of cardiac birth defects.  A study based on data from the US Insurance Registry Database showed a 150% increase in cardiac defects in infants who were exposed to Paxil® while in the womb.  The study also showed a 180% increase in the total number of congenital malformations (including heart malformations).  A separate study based on data from the Swedish National Registry showed a 200% increased risk of cardiac birth defects.

In July of 2006, the labeling of Paxil® was updated to reflect some of these risks, but the original studies merited further investigation.  In addition to the Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn study, other studies have found marked increases in certain birth defects from SSRI usage in the first trimester of pregnancy.  These birth defects include:

Anal Atresia - Also known as imperforate anus.  A birth defect distinguished by the absence of an opening at the bottom end of the intestinal tract.  Immediate surgery is required. Zoloft® Risk Increase: 440% Celexa® Risk Increase: 300%   Anencephaly - A neural tube defect resulting in the absence of a large part of the brain, skull, and scalp.  Anencephaly occurs when the neural tube fails to close.  Very few children with this birth defect will live more than one day. Any SSRI Risk Increase: 240% Cleft Lip - A congenital deformity in which the upper lip is not fused together properly.  This birth defect is recognizable by an abnormal split in the upper lip, and is treatable with surgery. Celexa® Risk Increase: 320% Club Foot - A physical birth defect in which the foot is twisted and down.  Club foot is generally treated with surgery and/or braces. Zoloft® Risk Increase: 240% Paxil® Risk Increase: 580% Celexa® Risk Increase: 270% Conotruncal Defects - Very serious heart defects that involve abnormal structuring in the heart or blood vessels around the heart.  Conotruncal heart defects must be corrected with a complex open heart surgery that has an inherently high risk of fatality. Paxil® Risk Increase: 170% Craniosynostosis - A condition where sutures in the skull close too early, impeding normal brain and skull growth and causing physical deformity.  Craniosynostosis is usually treated with surgery to reshape the skull.  Young infants may be eligible for a less invasive endoscopic procedure. Any SSRI Risk Increase: 250% Left Ventricle Flow Defects - Improper blood flow through the left ventricle.  This birth defect is usually the result of a septal defect. Zoloft® Risk Increase: 190% Celexa® Risk Increase: 330% Limb Reduction - An arm, hand, leg, or foot does not form correctly.  As a result, the affected appendage(s) is missing or abnormally short. Zoloft® Risk Increase: 390% Celexa® Risk Increase: 400% Neural Tube Defects - The general classification for birth defects affecting the spinal cord and brain.  Anencephaly, encephalocele - where the brain protrudes through holes in the skull, and spina bifida - an incomplete formation of the spinal cord are the types of neural tube defects.  The quality of life for encephalocele and spina bifida can be increased through surgery. Paxil® Risk Increase: 330% Omphalocele - A muscle defect in the abdominal wall that causes the intestines or other internal organs to remain outside of the abdomen, protruding through the navel.  Omphalocele is generally treated through surgery. Zoloft® Risk Increase: 570% Any SSRI Risk Increase: 280% Right Ventricle Flow Defects - Improper blood flow through the right ventricle.  This birth defect is usually the result of a septal defect. Zoloft® Risk Increase: 200% Septal Defects - Septal defects are sometimes called “holes in the heart".  The septum is a wall separating the left and right side of the heart.  A septal defect between the heart’s two lower chambers is called a ventricular septal defect (VSD). Zoloft® Risk Increase: 200%

Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should consult with a physician if they are currently taking, considering taking, or considering discontinuation of Paxil® (paroxetine), Zoloft® (sertraline), Celexa® (citalopram), or any Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant.  Other common SSRI drugs include:

Prozac® (fluoxetine) Lexapro® (escitalopram) Effexor® (venlafaxine) Symbyax® (olanzapine/fluoxetine) Luvox® (fluvoxamine)

WHAT DOES ALL OF THIS MEAN TO YOU?

If you or a loved one has taken Paxil®, Zoloft®, Celexa®,  or any SSRI antidepressant during pregnancy and has given birth to a child suffering from any birth defect that may be related to SSRI drugs, The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker wants to help.  Our team includes Paxil® attorneys who have been investigating Paxil® and SSRI-related injuries for over a decade.  In addition, we are proud to be partnered with a nationally recognized team of law firms focused on obtaining the maximum recovery possible for you.  In these increasingly complex times, it is necessary for firms to work together to most efficiently utilize manpower and financial resources in the fight against negligent corporations.  We believe our team is best equipped to handle your case.

For a free, confidential, no-obligation consultation, please fill out a form or call us at (800) 333-0000.  Your call or email will only be handled by caring, understanding, and experienced case evaluators.  Your confidentiality is guaranteed!  Serving all of California, and now in Arizona with offices in Phoenix and Tucson.  We’ll Fight For You!™

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