Understanding the Risks of Zoloft Heart Defects
In 2006, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a health care advisory regarding the potentially harmful side effects Zoloft and other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which are commonly prescribed to treat depression, have for pregnant women.
According to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, pregnant women who took Zoloft in their first trimester were twice as likely to give birth to infants with congenital heart defects. Those who took the drug after the 20th week of pregnancy were also at risk for having infants with persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN), a rare but life-threatening condition.
Since then, other studies have linked the use of Zoloft and SSRIs to a variety of serious heart conditions, including:
- Tetralogy of Fallot — A combination of four heart defects (ventricular septal defect (VSP), right ventricular hypertrophy, pulmonary valve stenosis (PS) and abnormal aorta positioning) which allows both oxygenated and unoxygenated blood to circulate throughout the body
- Heart valve defects — Valves that are too narrow (stenosis) or malformed cause the heart to work harder to pump blood because of constricted blood flow or leaking between the chambers of the heart. Common heart valve defects include aortic valve stenosis, bicuspid aortic valve, tricuspid valve stenosis and cleft mitral valve.
- Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) — A malformation of the chambers on the left side of the heart, which is responsible for pumping oxygenated blood to the rest of the body
- Cardiomyopathy —A progressive condition in which heart muscles are abnormally enlarged (hypertrophic) or stiffened (restrictive), which limits the flow and amount of blood in the heart's chambers
- Persistent pulmonary hypertension in a newborn (PPHN) — Occurring when a newborn's circulatory system does not adapt to breathing outside the womb. Because of high blood pressure in the lungs, unoxygenated blood is re-circulated throughout the body.
- Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) —Occurs when the fetal blood vessel (ductus arteriosus), which was responsible for redirecting blood away from the lungs in utero, does not close properly after birth. Therefore, blood bypasses the lungs, preventing oxygen from circulating throughout the body.
While many of these conditions can be corrected with surgery, they can pose serious risks at birth and later on in life if left untreated. Not only must individuals and families deal with the financial stress of long-term medical expenses, but many also experience lifelong challenges of living with a serious medical condition, including pain, increased risk of heart failure or infection, and the emotional challenges of dealing with social stigmas.
How Do I Know if My Child Has a Congenital Heart Defect?
Many of these conditions, with the exception of PPHN and PDA, are progressive, meaning they develop over time. Symptoms may not appear until the child reaches one or even two years of age. Common symptoms parents should watch for include:
- Cyanosis, an abnormal blue tint to the skin, fingernails and lips, caused by low levels of oxygen in the blood stream
- Hypercyanosis, also known as "tet spells," in which a child suddenly turns blue and has difficulty breathing
- Frequent weakness or faintness
- Inability to play for long periods of time due to overexertion
- Slower physical and mental development, including poor weight gain
- Recurring lung infections
Contact Miller Weisbrod
If your child has a congenital heart defect due to Zoloft use while you were pregnant, you may be entitled to file a lawsuit. The experienced lawyers of Miller Weisbrod, LLP, can help you determine your real options and how to submit a claim for just compensation. To speak with an experienced attorney of our firm, contact us at 214.987.0005.
If you are calling from outside the DFW Metroplex, please call us toll free at 888.987.0005. You may also contact us by e-mail today for more information or to schedule an appointment.
