Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, better known as SSRIs, are antidepressant medications used to treat several types of psychological disorders. SSRI medications, including Paxil, Prozac, Zoloft and others, are prescribed to millions of Americans every year.
These drugs have come under a great deal of scrutiny due to their unintended side effects and tendency to cause physical dependence in some patients.
SSRI drugs may be especially dangerous when used by pregnant women. Studies have linked SSRI use during pregnancy to severe and life-threating birth injuries.
SSRIs Linked to Serious Birth Injuries
The Food and Drug Administration has conducted many studies about the effects of SSRI exposure to infants during pregnancy. These drugs have been linked to severe birth injuries and birth defects.
In 2006, an FDA study concluded that infants born to mothers who took SSRI drugs after the 20th week of pregnancy were 6 times more likely to develop persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN). PPHN is a medical condition where infants have trouble adjusting to breathing on their own after birth. PPHN can be a life-threatening condition in newborns. Symptoms include:
- Blue-tinted lips and skin, also known as cyanosis
- Fast breathing
- Tachycardia, or fast heart rate
- Low blood oxygen levels
PPHN and low blood-oxygen levels can cause devastating and permanent damage to an infant’s brain and internal organs.
Henson Fuerst is Here to Help
The birth of a child should be a joyous occasion that the entire family can remember fondly for the rest of their lives. If your family has endured the tragedy of a birth injury or defect caused by SSRI drugs, you may be entitled to compensation for your pain, suffering and medical bills.
Call Henson Fuerst right away at (919) 781-1107 or complete a free initial consultation form to learn how we may be able to help.
The North Carolina Drug Injury attorneys of Henson Fuerst have significant experience standing up to major drug companies on behalf of our clients. Call us today and we will investigate every detail of your situation at no cost to you and fight hard to ensure that your rights are protected.
At Henson Fuerst, you will never pay an attorney’s fee up front. In fact, you owe us nothing unless we recover for you. If you or a loved one were injured by a dangerous or defective drug, Henson Fuerst will purse your case with passion and dedication.
