Zoloft and Birth Defects

Zoloft (sertraline) and Other SSRI Medications

A group of antidepressant medications known as SSRIs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, function by restoring the balance of serotonin in the brain, thereby improving certain mood disorders and relieving depression.  The drug Zoloft, by Pfizer, is an SSRI and is one of the most popular antidepressants.  Other SSRIs include, Paxil, Wellbutrin, Celexa, Prosac, Cipralex, Luvox, and Effexor.

Zoloft and Birth Defects

Side effect studies have indicated that pregnant women who take SSRI antidepressants like Zoloft may increase the risk of giving birth to children with one or more major birth defects, including persistent pulmonary hypertension in newborns, heart defects, lung defects, abdominal defects, neural tube birth defects such as spina bifida, and cleft lip and cleft palate.

Litigation and What You Should Do

Zoloft litigation is growing, and has now been consolidated in a multidistrict litigation.  If you, or someone you know, was prescribed Zoloft, or another SSRI antidepressant, during pregnancy and gave birth to a child with one of the birth defects mentioned above, you may want to contact an attorney.  Anyone suffering from birth defects resulting from SSRI exposure may have a right to seek compensation.  Our attorneys are reviewing new cases of those injured and are ready and able to assist.  We can be contacted directly at 1-800-738-0449, or contact us through our website at www.lawyernc.com.