US Recall News

United States Recall News Alerts for Recalled Drugs, Food, Products, & Vehicles

MENUMENU
  • Home
  • About
    • Advertise
  • Full Recall News Archive
    • Top Story

      J&J Settles Talc Mesothelioma Settlement

      By Sandra Dalton, Staff Writer On January 6, 2020, Superior Court Judge Stephen Kaus announced that Johnson & Johnsons (J&J) had agreed to … [Read More...]

      509 Recalls Helmets Due to Risk of Head Injury

      The recalled helmets fail to provide sufficient protection in the event of a crash, posing a risk of head injury. … [Read More...]

    • More Safety Articles
    • Federal Preemption of State Product Liability Law
  • Drug Recalls
    • Abilify
    • Benicar
    • Fluoroquinolones
    • Invokana
    • Lipitor
    • Nuplazid
    • Opioids
    • OxyContin
    • Pradaxa
    • Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)
    • Risperdal
    • SSRI
    • Symptoms & Side Effects
    • Taxotere
    • Testosterone
    • Uloric
    • Valsartan
    • Xarelto
    • Zofran
  • Medical Devices
    • 3M Earplug
    • 3T Heater-Cooler System
    • Bair Hugger
    • Bipolar Hip System
    • Essure
    • Hip Replacements
    • Implanon
    • IVC Filters
    • Hernia Mesh
    • Power Morcellators
    • Shoulder Implants
    • Transvaginal Mesh
  • Food Recalls
    • FDA Press Releases
    • USDA Press Releases
  • Auto Recalls
    • Air Bags
    • Ignitions
    • NHTSA Press Releases
    • Off-Road Utility Vehicles
    • Snowmobiles
    • Tires
  • Other Products
    • Asbestos
    • Baby Products
    • Pet Products
    • Roundup
    • Talcum Powder
    • Toy Recalls
You are here: Home / Product Recalls / Baby Products / SSRI Antidepressants and Birth Defects: Lawsuits Increase but Evidence Remains Unclear

SSRI Antidepressants and Birth Defects: Lawsuits Increase but Evidence Remains Unclear

December 3, 2012 By Candelaria Leave a Comment

Some studies suggest that when women take SSRI antidepressants, their baby may be at an increased risk for certain types of birth defects. These birth defects are mostly heart defects that may require additional surgery and may have a lifelong impact on the child. Although more and more parents are seeking compensation for these defects, further studies have failed to clarify the connection between this class of drugs and birth defects.

What Are SSRIs?

SSRIs, short for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, are a class of antidepressants that are intended to elevate levels of the hormone serotonin. Higher serotonin levels are associated with a generally more positive mood. SSRIs work by reducing the rate at which your body removes serotonin from your system to help the hormone build up.

SSRIs include:

  • Celexa (citalopram)
  • Lexapro (escitalopram)
  • Paxil (paroxetine)
  • Prozac (fluoxetine)
  • Zoloft (sertraline)

Although they are called antidepressants, they are often prescribed for anything from obsessive-compulsive disorder to anxiety in addition to depression.

Birth Defects Associated with SSRIs

The first evidence that SSRIs were associated with birth defects came in 2005 when GlaxoSmithKline called attention to safety data suggesting that exposure to SSRIs during the first trimester might double the risk of birth defects. The majority of birth defects seemed to be cardiovascular, related to the heart. Since then, research has suggested that many types of birth defects may be associated with SSRI use during the first trimester, including:

  • Ventricular septal defect (heart defect)
  • Atrial septal defect (heart defect)
  • Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS, heart defect)
  • Tetralogy of Fallot (heart defect)
  • Omphalcele (abdominal wall defect)
  • Craniosynostosis (head and face malformation)
  • Clubfoot and other limb malformation
  • Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN)

Some of these defects may be detected at birth or during pregnancy. Others may take time to be detected.

How High Is the Risk of Birth Defects?

Many studies have been done on the risk of birth defects associated with SSRIs. When used during the first trimester, it seems that the absolute risk of birth defects is low, but the type of defects can be more serious malformations: heart, head, abdomen and limb defects. Most studies suggest that the risk is 1.5-2 times that of women who use other types of antidepressants.

When used late in pregnancy, the risk of some effects seems very high. One study suggested that this risk may be as high as 20-30%. This includes agitation, abnormal muscle tone, and seizures. PPHN, a serious condition affecting an infant’s circulation and ability to get oxygen normally, occurs in about 3 in 1000 births when the mother is taking SSRIs. Normally PPHN only occurs in about 1.2 in 1000 births.

Other studies show that SSRI use is not associated with these risks. Some studies suggest that Paxil (paroxetine) is associated with a higher risk than other SSRIs, but most suggest that the risk is the same for all SSRIs.

The bulk of evidence, including a recent large Danish study of SSRI birth defects, suggests that there is some increased risk for the class.

Lawsuits Associated with SSRIs and Birth Defects

Although the science is conflicting, many women who took SSRIs during pregnancy are seeking compensation if their children are born with birth defects. Hundreds of lawsuits have been filed related to Paxil, Zoloft, and other SSRIs. One went to a jury trial, resulting in a $2.5 million verdict. Others have been settled out of court. Many are being consolidated in federal court.

Women who are being prescribed SSRIs during pregnancy should talk to their doctors about these risks. Women prescribed SSRIs during pregnancy whose children have been diagnosed with a birth defect should consider contacting a lawyer.

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print

Related

Filed Under: Baby Products, Medical Devices, SSRI

About Candelaria

Leave a ReplyCancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Facebook
Thomas Roney LLC
Economic Consulting

J&J Settles Talc Mesothelioma Settlement

January 15, 2020 By Advice Media

509 Recalls Helmets Due to Risk of Head Injury

July 2, 2025 By The CPSC

SNLN Party Supply Toys Recalled Due to Ingestion Hazard; Risk of Serious Injury or Death; Federal Toy Standard Violation; Sold Exclusively on Amazon by Yiwu Dixikeji Douxiangongsi

July 2, 2025 By The CPSC

Harbor Freight Tools Recalls Predator 2000-Watt Power Stations Due to Shock Hazard

July 2, 2025 By The CPSC

Hero Highlight

J&J Settles Talc Mesothelioma Settlement

January 15, 2020 By Advice Media

Jeriflyer Pool Drain Covers Recalled Due to Risk of Serious Injury or Death from Entrapment Hazard; Violation of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act; Sold on Amazon by Junjuanshop

July 2, 2025 By The CPSC

Positec Recalls Electric Corded Chainsaws and Pole Saws Due to Laceration Hazard

July 2, 2025 By The CPSC

Sandoz Inc. Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall of One Lot of Cefazolin for Injection Due to Product Mispackaging

June 27, 2025 By The FDA

Shang Hao Jia, Inc. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Sesame in Danshi Brand Spicy Shredded Tofu

June 25, 2025 By The FDA

The Coleman Company Recalls Converta Camping Cots and Converta Camping Suspension Stretchers Due to Laceration and Amputation Hazards; Imported by Newell Brands

June 25, 2025 By The CPSC

J&J Settles Talc Mesothelioma Settlement

January 15, 2020 By Advice Media

Shang Hao Jia, Inc. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Sesame in Danshi Brand Spicy Shredded Tofu

June 25, 2025 By The FDA

The Coleman Company Recalls Converta Camping Cots and Converta Camping Suspension Stretchers Due to Laceration and Amputation Hazards; Imported by Newell Brands

June 25, 2025 By The CPSC

iHerb Recalls Bottles and Blister Packs of California Gold Nutrition Iron Supplements Due to Risk of Serious Injury or Death from Child Poisoning; Violation of Federal Standard for Child Resistant Packaging

June 25, 2025 By The CPSC

Recall News in Your Inbox

Enter your email address to receive automated recall news updates.

Recent Comments

  • Roger McGowan on ABH NATURE’S PRODUCTS, INC, ABH PHARMA, INC., and STOCKNUTRA.COM, INC. Issues Nationwide Recall of All Lots of Dietary Supplement Products
  • Kathryn Moore on FDA Wants Cancer Warning on Breast Implants
  • BRAD on Huge ATV Recall by Polaris – Sportsman and Scrambler
  • Crystal Anderson on Allergan Voluntarily Recalls BIOCELL® Textured Breast Implants and Tissue Expanders
  • Outsourcing Training on The Modern Marketing of Pain
  • SANDRA Collett on Processed Food Preservative Linked to Autism?
  • Eric Karsh on Health Risks of Roundup Go Well Beyond Cancer

Recent Posts

  • 509 Recalls Helmets Due to Risk of Head Injury
  • SNLN Party Supply Toys Recalled Due to Ingestion Hazard; Risk of Serious Injury or Death; Federal Toy Standard Violation; Sold Exclusively on Amazon by Yiwu Dixikeji Douxiangongsi
  • Harbor Freight Tools Recalls Predator 2000-Watt Power Stations Due to Shock Hazard
  • DEWALT Recalls Grinder Flap Discs Due to Laceration and Injury Hazards
  • Trane Recalls Gas/Electric Packaged Units Due to Risk of Gas Leak, Fire Hazard
  • Jeriflyer Pool Drain Covers Recalled Due to Risk of Serious Injury or Death from Entrapment Hazard; Violation of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act; Sold on Amazon by Junjuanshop
  • Positec Recalls Electric Corded Chainsaws and Pole Saws Due to Laceration Hazard
  • Sandoz Inc. Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall of One Lot of Cefazolin for Injection Due to Product Mispackaging
  • Shang Hao Jia, Inc. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Sesame in Danshi Brand Spicy Shredded Tofu
-- See More Recall News

Disclaimer: The information contained in these topics is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical or legal advice, it is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider about any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Nothing contained in these topics is intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment.


ATTORNEY ADVERTISING. The information provided on this website is not legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is formed by the use of this site. It is not stated or implied that a lawyer is certified as a specialist in any particular field of law. No results are guaranteed, and prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. This site is informational, only, not dispositive; it is up to you to decide whether a particular lawyer is right for you. Use of this site is subject to your agreement to these.


Copyright © 2025 Altrumedia · Terms of Service · Log in