Zoloft Birth Defect
Can Zoloft Cause Birth Defects?
Unfortunately, mothers who take prescription drugs are sometimes taking risks they are not even aware of. One drug that can certainly have those kinds of hidden risks is Zoloft. Mothers who have used Zoloft have sadly reported birth defects in their children. If you or your child were the victim of a Zoloft birth defect, you should consider contacting a lawyer to discuss your legal rights.
Zoloft is the brand name that was chosen to market a certain drug known as sertraline hydrochloride. Zoloft was developed by Pfizer, the largest pharmaceuticals company on the planet. After receiving approval by the FDA, Zoloft was released on to the market by Pfizer in 1991.
As a business venture, Zoloft has been extremely successful. In 2007, records show that prescriptions of drug were just under 30 million. However, Phizer’s patent on the drug ended one year prior, and many generic equivalents now compete with it in the marketplace.
Zoloft is an antidepressant. An antidepressant is a drug that is designed to treat mood disorders. The mood disorder that Zoloft is most often prescribed to treats is major depression. Zoloft is also sometimes prescribed to patients who suffer from social anxiety disorder or obsessive compulsive disorder.
Zoloft is also classified under a group of medications known as serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Serotonin reuptake inhibitors like Zoloft work by affecting certain chemicals in the brain known as neurotransmitters. By altering the balance of these chemicals, it is believed people who suffer from a chemical imbalance can better control their mental states.
Unfortunately, the use of Zoloft in particular comes with some very serious side effects. One adverse side effect experienced by some patients is suicidal thoughts. Studies performed by the FDA found that the use of Zoloft can increase suicidal thoughts by one and half to two times in certain younger age groups.
Zoloft can also have sexual side effect as well. Certain studies have found that the use of the drug is linked to difficulty in reaching orgasm for both men and women. It has also been suggested that the drug can cause problems related to libido, producing and erection, and producing adequate lubrication in women.
However, out all of Zoloft’s side effects, easily the most controversial are the consequences the use of this drug can have for unborn fetuses. Zoloft has been found to be transmitted from mother to child through the umbilical cord.
If the mother uses the drug during the first trimester, it can result in the internal organs of the child remaining outside the abdomen as the fetus grows. It can also result in the child’s rectum not being formed properly. It can also cause problems in the development of the structure of the heart and the limbs.
Serious risks remain for babies who were born healthy as well. This is due to the fact that Zoloft can be transferred from mother to child through breast milk. If this occurs, it can be detrimental to the health of the child.
Due to these very serious side effects, many lawsuits have been filed against the makes of Zoloft. If you or your child were harmed by this prescription drug, you should seriously consider contacting a lawyer. You may be able to able to obtain compensation for the harm Zoloft has caused to you or your loved ones.
