Complaints Raised due to Zoloft Birth Defects
The Pfizer-manufactured antidepressant, Zoloft had a lot of complaints because of it is connection with the development of birth defects. Reports state that some of the women who took Zoloft at the time of pregnancy gave birth to infants with heart deformities such as Coarctation of the aorta and ventricular septal defect among others. Craniosynostosis, a deformity involving the skull, is also connected with the use of Zoloft upon pregnancy. Also, infants had symptoms such as seizures, tremors, irritability, constant crying and lack of oxygen in the blood. Apart from birth defects, it was also asked whether Zoloft increases suicidal thoughts in patients with major depression. A number of other complaints and lawsuits were raised against this medication but the majority is related to birth defects.
How Zoloft Works
Zoloft is a medication primarily prescribed for patients suffering from major depression. It belongs to the Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) class which means that it increases the uptake of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is an “excitatory” brain chemical and plays a major role in determining our mood. Low levels of serotonin can cause signs of depression whereas high levels can manifest signs and symptoms of mania or hyperactivity. Zoloft is also prescribed in other cases such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Panic Disorders, Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and other disorders related to mood.
How Zoloft Affects the Growing Fetus
As previously indicated, complaints were raised due to a number of Zoloft birth defects that were reported. Research shows that Zoloft can affect the growing fetus even when taken during the third trimester when organogenesis is done, as this phenomenon occurs in the first trimester of pregnancy. Heart complications can be a result of this. The most common cardiac defects associated with the use of Zoloft are Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) and Atrial Septal Defect (ASD). These are rather serious conditions when left untreated. A rare lung condition called Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension (PPHN) can also occur with Zoloft use. PPHN is marked by constricted arteries leading to the lungs hence making the baby unable to fully adapt to the life outside the womb. The amount of blood towards the lungs are decreased which will lead to decreased oxygen in the bloodstream. The aforementioned Zoloft birth defects are very serious which is why the affected individuals decided to file lawsuits to be rightfully compensated.