Birth Defects Caused By Anti-Depressants

Studies from several medical institutions in the United States and elsewhere have found a link between popular antidepressant drugs and birth defects. Mothers who took certain antidepressants have been shown to have a much greater likelihood of giving birth to a baby with birth defects — many of them severe and life-threatening.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been linked to a series of birth defects. SSRI medications include Zoloft (sertraline), Prozac (fluoxetine), Paxil (paroxetine), and Lexapro (escitalopram). In some instances, SSRIs have been shown to increase the chance of a certain defect by 600 percent.

For a free legal consultation,Call (401) 467-2300

Some non-SSRI antidepressants have also been linked to birth defects. Formerly thought to be safe for use during pregnancy, Wellbutrin with the active ingredient bupropion has recently been shown to increase the risk of birth defects in the heart, skull, and abdomen. So, too, has the smoking cessation drug Zyban, which also contains bupropion.

The parents of newborns who have suffered birth defects due to the mother’s use of antidepressant medications during pregnancy could be entitled to compensation for their injuries. Lawsuits over medication side effects are essentially product liability matters, but they may also involve medical malpractice law.

Click to contact our personal injury lawyers today

The law firm of Gemma Law Associates has years of experience handling Rhode Island medical malpractice and product defect cases. Our firm accepts birth injury cases where the use of antidepressant drugs may be an issue. We fight to protect the rights of patients and their families. Call us at 401-437-23008 or fill out our online contact form for a consultation about your case.

Birth Defects Caused By Antidepressant Medications

Studies have indicated that the use of SSRI antidepressants, including Zoloft, during pregnancy can cause a significantly increased likelihood of severe birth defects. Some of these birth defects include:

• Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN);
• Omphalocele (a type of hernia where several of the infant’s abdominal organs protrude through an opening near the belly button);
• Anal atresia (a condition where the anus remains closed, has its opening in the wrong place, or is otherwise malformed);
• Craniosynostosis (a birth defect where the sutures in the infant’s skull harden too soon, leaving the baby with a misshapen head and face);
• Heart birth defects (including a “hole in the heart,” malformed heart chambers, and problems with the aorta);
• Clubfoot;
• Spina bifida (a condition where the vertebrae fail to enclose the spinal cord properly);
• Brain damage; and
• Improperly developed limbs.

In studies, the non-SSRI antidepressant Wellbutrin and the smoking cessation drug Zyban have been linked to the following birth defects:

• Craniosynostosis;
• Heart birth defects;
• Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn and
• Omphalocele.

Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now

If you suspect your child’s birth defects were caused by antidepressant drugs such as Zoloft or Wellbutrin, you should seek legal assistance as soon as possible. Even if you are unsure, the Providence, Rhode Island, antidepressant birth defect attorneys of Gemma Law Associates can review your case and advise you. Contact us today at 401-467-2300.

Serving the Greater Providence metro area, including Warwick, Cranston, Pawtucket, North Providence, South Kingston, Coventry, Cumberland, Woonsocket, and East Providence.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
Best lawyers you can get. They always stayed in touch and made  sure I was paid.
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 Romy T 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
Great service sky superb communication, thank you Gemma
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 Klowon J 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
Everyone at Gemma was friendly and helpful. They made a hard time easier and were effective handling the case. Much appreciated!
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 Laura W 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
They were so helpful with my MVA case ! Would recommend!
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 Cheyenne C 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
Peter and team brought a successful resolution to my case.

Throughout the different stages, Peter impressed me as a caring person with calmness and fine judgment. He put the client's interest first — there were times I didn't expect him to get back to me quickly, but he returned my call as soon as my questions reached his desk. I'm very grateful for that.

I'd also like to give a huge shout-out to the team, especially the case manager, Sarah. She answered my questions with endless patience and professionalism, and treated me as a person, not just a case — with real positivity and great organization. I value clear communication, and it was a pleasure working with her.

All in all, thank you, Gemma Law, for bringing a resolution to my case and helping me move on. Wishing you all the best!
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 Zi 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
I had a great experience with Mark Gemma Law Associates. They took their time, stayed on top of everything, and made sure I received every penny I deserved. I truly felt like they cared about getting the best possible outcome for me.

If I’m ever in another accident, Mark Gemma Law Associates will definitely be the first place I call. I highly recommend them to anyone who needs a great law firm that will really fight for you.
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 Jeremiah S 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
Mark Gemma is courteous and kind
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 Kimberly A 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
They were helpful and kind. Very clear and organized with what was going on as far as process and procedures I had to accomplish.
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 Junior B 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
The best one in town, very professional, and they got me a good settlement!!
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 Paulino D 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Google rating score: 4.9 of 5, based on 532 reviews 
 
   
 
 

Call or text (401) 467-2300 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form