Zoloft Birth Defects

Zoloft Taken During Pregnancy Leads to 3 Times the Risk of Infant Heart Defects. Contact Us for a Free Case Evaluation.

You take the drugs your doctor prescribes in order to improve your health and well-being. If you are pregnant, you must trust that those medications will not harm you or your baby. Drugs, like Zoloft, used to treat depression may have very serious consequences for you and your loved ones. If you, or family members, have taken Zoloft, you’ll want to know what health conditions may be linked to the medication and you’ll want to know what you can do. Call us at the Monsour Law Firm. We will help.

Information about Zoloft (Sertraline Hydrochloride)

What is Zoloft?

What are the side effects of Zoloft?

What are the risks of using Zoloft during pregnancy?

What are the next steps to take if you or a loved one has suffered from the side effects of Zoloft?

What is Zoloft?

Zoloft (sertraline hydrochloride) is a medication classed as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) because of its particular effect on brain chemistry. Zoloft is used in treating depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders. Manufactured by Pfizer, Zoloft is the only SSRI approved for long-term treatment of social anxiety disorder .

What are the side effects of Zoloft?

Zoloft has many side effects. It commonly results in decreased sexual interest and, in men, an inability to discharge semen. It can cause some patients to become agitated, aggressive, irritable, restless, or display other abnormal behaviors. It can result in what is known as Serotonin syndrome - diarrhea, fever, increased sweating, mood or behavior changes, over-active reflexes, racing heartbeat, restlessness, shivering, or shaking. It may also cause some people, particularly adolescents, to have suicidal thoughts and tendencies or to become more depressed. If you, or your loved ones, notice any of these side effects, tell your doctor right away.

What are the risks of using Zoloft during pregnancy?

Zoloft, when taken during pregnancy has been associated with many serious side effects. These include:

• Miscarriage
• Low birth weight
• Premature delivery

Many birth defects have been linked to the use of SSRIs and Zoloft, in particular. These include:

• PPHN - Constricted arteries in lungs that can result in both immediate and long-term health problems
• Omphalocele - Defects in the wall of the stomach and intestines
• Craniosynostosis - Abnormally shaped skull
• Anencephaly – Fatal defect in which much of the brain is undeveloped
• Congenital Heart Defects, including atrial or ventricular septal defects (hole in heart)
• Spina Bifida –Defects in the fetal spinal column, which fails to close completely during the first month of pregnancy and can result in multiple disabilities, including paralysis.
• Club Foot - Malformation of the bones, joints, muscles and blood vessels in the foot.

What are the next steps to take if you or a loved one has suffered from the side effects of Zoloft?

The cost of treating the side effects of Zoloft can be extremely expensive. In addition to medical costs, the side effects of Zoloft can have a devastating impact on every aspect of your life and the lives of your loved ones. Even if you have not contemplated litigation before, if you or your loved ones suffered from using Zoloft, you should consider seeking compensation.

It is important to consult a personal injury attorney that is experienced in Zoloft litigation and has the skill and resources to get you the best possible results. The Monsour Law Firm will represent you with the compassion and determination you deserve. We can help.