Boston SSRI Birth Defect Attorneys
SSRI Birth Defects
SSRIs, or Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, are drugs most commonly used as antidepressants in the treatment of anxiety, depression, and even certain personality disorders. Some commonly prescribed SSRIs include Lexapro, Prozac, and Zoloft. As with all medications, however, SSRIs come with adverse side effects that could potentially lead to serious health problems, especially for newborns.
Pursuing Legal Action
At the Kiley Law Group, our unsafe drug lawyers in Massachusetts are committed to helping our clients obtain the compensation they deserve for the damages and losses they've suffered as the result of a dangerous or defective drug. If your child was born with a birth defect or developed a serious health condition as the result of an SSRI, our Boston SSRIs attorneys can help you determine the best course of legal action.
Common SSRI Birth Defects
SSRIs are dangerous for newborns. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), between 20 and 30 percent of newborns who were exposed to SSRI antidepressants near the end of gestation develop disorders such as abnormal muscle tone and suction, agitation, seizures and hyponatraemia, which can cause abnormal mental conditions and other adverse effects. Newborns who were exposed to SSRIs during pregnancy may also develop other birth defects, such as:
- Congenital malformations, specifically septal heart defects;
- Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS); and
- Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension (PPHN).
Septal Defects
Defects in the septum, or tissue wall which separates the left and right sides of the heart, can cause blood to flow from the left side of the heart to the right, causing problems in the heart's efficiency and functioning.
Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome
NAS is a withdrawal syndrome that affects newborns. Although not considered addictive, SSRIs do create a level of dependency. If a newborn was exposed to SSRIs during pregnancy, he or she may experience severe physical and mental symptoms of withdrawal.
Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension
PPHN is a life-threatening lung condition that develops soon after a newborn's birth. High pressure in the lung blood vessels prevents enough oxygen from entering the bloodstream, thus depriving the newborn of the necessary oxygen for normal functioning and development. Newborns who survive this condition require intensive medical care. Babies born to mothers who took an SSRI during pregnancy are six times more likely to develop PPHN.
When to Contact a Massachusetts Pharmaceutical Litigation Attorney
The pharmaceutical industry is a multi-billion dollar business, especially in the U.S. Both over-the-counter and prescription medications are widely used for a wide range of conditions, both minor and severe, and pharmaceutical companies are constantly conducting research and seeking approval for new drugs. The market for SSRI antidepressants is one of the most profitable in the country. Pharmaceutical companies work for profit and so have no qualms about marketing a drug that potentially causes serious and life-threatening defects. This is unacceptable.
If your child was born with a birth defect as the result of SSRIs in Massachusetts, you have the right to hold the pharmaceutical company responsible if its negligent practices contributed to your child's condition. Contact an experienced Boston birth injury lawyer at the Kiley Law Group today to discuss the best course of action for your particular case at (888) 208-1695. We offer free legal consultations and are dedicated to obtaining fair and maximum compensation for our clients.
