Dec 15, 2015 | admin
Antidepressant medications can be a useful tool in treating a number of mood disorders. They can help regulate emotions and allow a patient to live a healthy life. However, it’s important to note that women who are pregnant or are thinking of having a child should be aware of the risks certain types of antidepressant medications can pose to an unborn child.
Antidepressant Birth Defects
Studies have shown taking medications like Paxil®, Prozac® and Zoloft® during pregnancy has resulted in children being born with certain antidepressant birth defects. These conditions can include persistent pulmonary hypertension, as well as abnormalities like cleft lips and palates. These aren’t the only risks associated with antidepressant medications, though.
Antidepressants and Autism
A new study has linked the use of antidepressants during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy with elevated chances of autism spectrum disorder for the baby. An article from The Washington Post explains researchers examined the cases of more than 145,000 births and discovered an 87 percent increase in the chances of autism in children born to mothers who used selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor medications later in their pregnancies.
Help Is Available
If you believe your child was harmed as the result of antidepressant use during pregnancy, you likely have many questions about your child’s legal rights. The legal staff at CHASENBOSCOLO Injury Lawyers encourages anyone in this situation to speak with a drug injury lawyer to help get the answers you need. You can learn more about our attorneys by visiting our website.
