Antidepressants Like Zoloft, Lead to Common Side Effects

Zoloft lawyers are reviewing potential claims for children who may be entitled to compensation through a Zoloft birth defect lawsuit as a result of the drug maker’s failure to warn about the risks associated with use of the medication during pregnancy. According to the FDA, SSRI antidepressants, like Zoloft, are among the most commonly prescribed drugs to treat depression during pregnancy. However, there are no adequate and well-controlled studies of SSRIs in pregnant women. In 2006, the “Usage in Pregnancy” section on the labels for SRRI antidepressants was updated with the following warning: “Infants exposed to SSRIs in late pregnancy may have an increased risk for persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN).” The labels were modified after a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine reported a six-fold increase in PPHN among newborn babies whose mothers were exposed to an SSRI after 20 weeks of gestation.

Despite a number of studies and reports suggesting a potential link between Zoloft and birth defects, the manufacturers have failed to provide sufficient information to pregnant women or women of child-bearing potential, so that steps could be taken to avoid using Zoloft while pregnant. In June 2007, studies found an association between the use of antidepressants like Zoloft early in the pregnancy and a risk of abnormal skull development, gastrointestinal abnormality and brain defects. As a result of the drug makers’ failure to adequately research their medication and warn women or the medical community about the risk of Zoloft birth defect side effects, many children have been left with permanent and potentially life-threatening health problems.

The most common side effects of Zoloft are: Increased sweating, headache, nausea, diarrhea or loose stools, drowsiness, trembling or shaking and sexual problem. In relation to the more severe side effects associated with pregnant mothers and infants, allegations have been raised by parents of many children born with defects or malformations, that the drug makers failed to adequately research the side effects of Zoloft when used during pregnancy and failed to adequately warn women and the medical community about the potential health problems that could be suffered by unborn children exposed to the medication.