Product Liability

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants and birth defects have been linked in numerous studies. Paxil®, Zoloft®, and Celexa® have specifically been linked with an increased chance of certain birth defects, including life-threatening conditions. In addition to persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn, SSRI usage during pregnancy has been associated with increased risk of cardiac and nervous system birth defects, such as:

Neural Tube Defects

Anencephaly

  • Absence of a large part of the brain, skull, and scalp. The infant will very rarely survive more than 6 days.

Craniosynostosis

  • Sutures in the skull close too early, causing physical deformity from the brain and skull growing incorrectly. Must be corrected by surgery or an endoscopic procedure.

Encephalocele

  • Brain protrudes through holes in the skull. Quality of life can be improved through surgery.

Spina Bifida

  • Incomplete formation of the spinal cord. Quality of life can be improved through surgery.

Cardiac Defects

Conotruncal Defects

  • Blood vessels and/or heart are structured abnormally. Must be corrected through a risky open heart surgery.

Septal Defects

  • Hole(s) in the wall separating the chambers of the heart.

Ventricle Flow Defects

  • Blood flows throughout the heart improperly.

Congenital Deformities

Anal Atresia

  • Absence of the an opening at the bottom end of the intestinal tract. Must be corrected by surgery.

Cleft Lip

  • The upper lip is malformed, being split in an abnormal way. Can be corrected by surgery.

Club Foot

  • The foot is twisted and mis-positioned. Can be corrected by surgery and/or braces.

Limb Reduction

  • One or more limbs does not form properly. The affected limb(s) may be missing or undersized.

Omphalocele

  • Intestines or other internal organs are incorrectly located outside of the abdominal wall. Must be corrected by surgery.

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 hydrobromide), or any Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant. Other common SSRI drugs include Prozac® (fluoxetine) and Effexor® (venlafaxine). We are also investigating birth defects related to Lexapro® (escitalopram).