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Zoloft and Birth Defects Still in Question

Posted: Tuesday, July 30th, 2013 at 3:15 am

Many women who suffer from depression are prescribed a number of medications to relieve symptoms. However, some of these drugs have been linked to a higher risk of birth defects in babies exposed to the drugs in utero. Zoloft, a commonly prescribed anti-depression medication, is one of these medications.
About Zoloft
Zoloft is the brand name of a selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor medication whose pharmaceutical name is sertraline hydrochloride. This drug was first approved for use by the U. S. Food & Drug Administration and introduced in 1991. It was widely prescribed by physicians for patients who suffered from depression. These drugs work are thought to work by preventing serotonin from being absorbed into the body quickly. This action helps to regulate the neurotransmitters available in the brain. However, questions arose about other changes these drugs might cause.
Problems With Zoloft and Birth Defects
In 2006, a Swedish study linked the medication to increased rates of persistent pulmonary hypertension, a serious condition that causes circulatory and respiratory problems. A number of heart defects have been observed in newborns exposed to the drug in utero, including transposition of the great arteries, Ebstein’s anomaly, coarctation of the aorta and other problems. In addition, other medical conditions were found in newborns, such as muscle tone problems, limb reduction, abnormal intestinal development and defects of the mouth and septum. These findings caused increased study of the issue of SSRI drugs during pregnancy.
Contradicting Studies
As research continued on the effects of Zoloft, a number of studies appeared to contradict each other. In June of 2013, the Australian Journal of Psychiatry published results of a study that seemed to reinforce the link between some SSRI medications and an increase in birth defects These results contradicted an earlier study in April of 2013 by the BMJ Group that linked taking SSRI medications with increased risk of having a child with autism spectrum disorder and other problems.
If You Have Taken Zoloft
If you were prescribed Zoloft during your pregnancy and have had a child with medical or behavioral problems, consult an attorney to discuss your rights under the law.

Many women who suffer from depression are prescribed a number of medications to relieve symptoms. However, some of these drugs have been linked to a higher risk of birth defects in babies exposed to the drugs in utero. Zoloft, a commonly prescribed anti-depression medication, is one of these medications.

About Zoloft

Zoloft is the brand name of a selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor medication whose pharmaceutical name is sertraline hydrochloride. This drug was first approved for use by the U. S. Food & Drug Administration and introduced in 1991. It was widely prescribed by physicians for patients who suffered from depression. These drugs work are thought to work by preventing serotonin from being absorbed into the body quickly. This action helps to regulate the neurotransmitters available in the brain. However, questions arose about other changes these drugs might cause.

Problems With Zoloft and Birth Defects

In 2006, a Swedish study linked the medication to increased rates of persistent pulmonary hypertension, a serious condition that causes circulatory and respiratory problems. A number of heart defects have been observed in newborns exposed to the drug in utero, including transposition of the great arteries, Ebstein’s anomaly, coarctation of the aorta and other problems. In addition, other medical conditions were found in newborns, such as muscle tone problems, limb reduction, abnormal intestinal development and defects of the mouth and septum. These findings caused increased study of the issue of SSRI drugs during pregnancy.

Contradicting Studies

As research continued on the effects of Zoloft, a number of studies appeared to contradict each other. In June of 2013, the Australian Journal of Psychiatry published results of a study that seemed to reinforce the link between some SSRI medications and an increase in birth defects These results contradicted an earlier study in April of 2013 by the BMJ Group that linked taking SSRI medications with increased risk of having a child with autism spectrum disorder and other problems.

If You Have Taken Zoloft

If you were prescribed Zoloft during your pregnancy and have had a child with medical or behavioral problems, consult an attorney to discuss your rights under the law.

 

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