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Zoloft, a popular antidepressant drug made by Pfizer, has been linked to an increased risk of birth defects when taken during pregnancy. This risk was never fully disclosed by Pfizer before they started marketing the drug in 1991. If you have taken Zoloft, and you have had a child born with birth defects, contact a personal injury lawyer right away to schedule your free initial consultation. What is Zoloft? Zoloft is an antidepressant drug that falls into the class of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI’s). Originally it was developed to help treat major depression, however it is also prescribed to treat anxiety disorders, OCD, PTSD, and other diseases (many of them are prescribed “off-label” or to treat illnesses that the FDA has not approved the drug to be used for). Popularity of the Drug It is estimated that one out of every ten Americans takes some sort of antidepressant. The trend is moving toward more people taking these drugs instead of fewer due to the fact that obesity rates are rising, and physical activity is diminishing (obesity and less exercise are two major causes of depression). Zoloft saw its best year ever in 2007 when nearly 30 million prescriptions were written. Side Effects of Zoloft Despite the claims that Zoloft is a safe medication, it is really not safe at all. Aside from the usual side effects that are listed on just about every drug out there (dry mouth, drowsiness, change in appetite or weight), the drug also comes with the risks of some very severe side effects. One is the risk of having a child born with a birth defect. Zoloft Causes Birth Defects Nobody wants to have a child born with defects. Rather, everyone would like to see their child born with perfect features. However, women who used Zoloft during their pregnancy run the risk of having a child born with: - Heart Defects
- Cleft Lip and Palate
- Respiratory Distress Syndrome
- Anencephaly
- Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN)
- More
The dangers are so great, that the risk of PPHN is actually 6 times more likely to occur when the mother is taking Zoloft after the 20th week than if she did not use any drugs at all. Contact an Attorney This may be your first time hearing about these birth defects. If you took Zoloft during pregnancy, and your child has or is suffering from birth defects, you may be able to file a Zoloft Lawsuit and collect compensation to cover medical expenses and other damages. Get in touch with an attorney today to find out what course of action you should take.
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Zoloft, birth defects, personal injury, zoloft lawsuit,
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