Recent studies have shown that women who take Zoloft during the first three months of gestation are more likely to give birth to babies with birth defects, compared to women who do not take any antidepressants during pregnancy. These birth defects can be life-threatening, and may include serious congenital problems, the most common of which are Zoloft heart defects.
What is Zoloft?
Sertraline Hydrochloride, or better known as Zoloft, is an orally administered psychotropic drug. In tablet and oral suspension form, Zoloft is used in the treatment of major depressive disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder (PD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Its pharmacodynamics is presumed to be linked to enhancing the serotonergic activity in our central nervous system which results from inhibition of the reuptake of serotonin. As a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), Zoloft acts within the brain to increase serotonin.
Zoloft and its Side Effects
While Zoloft is approved by the FDA for treatment of depression and other psychiatric disorders, recent studies suggest that Zoloft was observed to have teratogenic side effects, increasing the risk for birth defects. This is especially so when taken during the first trimester of pregnancy, the intake of which can particularly result in cardiovascular malformations.
FDA Zoloft Warning
On December 8, 2005 the FDA issued a Public Health Advisory about Zoloft. The warning was based on U.S. and Swedish studies which showed that infants exposed to Zoloft during pregnancy had a significant increase in heart defects. These defects were primarily atrial and ventricular septal defects. Septal defects are conditions in which the walls of the sides of the heart are not fully and completely developed. In two control studies using separate databases, each with greater than 9,000 birth defect cases and more than 4,000 controls, it was observed that the use of Zoloft during the first trimester was associated with a 6-fold increased risk of omphalocele, a 4-fold increased risk of congenital limb reduction, and a two to three-fold increased risk of septal defects.
Zoloft seems to have the similar risks as the antidepressant Paxil. The manufacturer of Paxil has paid out billions of dollars to settle claims that the drug influences fetal development. Paxil, like Zoloft, did not properly warn expecting mothers of the congenital risks to their unborn child while taking Paxil during their pregnancy.
If you and your loved ones have siffered because of Zoloft you are not alone in this battle. Zoloft has affected thousands of parents and their children. If you feel that you were not fully informed of the risks of taking Zoloft or have already been afflicted by this drug, contact our law firm immediately. Our experienced lawyers have the knowledge needed to get you through these hard times and get you the compensation you deserve.