What is Zoloft?
Zoloft (Sertraline) is an antidepressant of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class. Pfizer introduced Zoloft to the market in 1991. Zoloft is primarily used to treat depression in adults as well as obsessive-compulsive, panic, and social anxiety disorders in both children and adults. In 2007, it was the most prescribed antidepressant on the U.S. retail market, with almost 30 million Zoloft prescriptions.
Distinctions between newer antidepressants like Zoloft and Prozac are less noticeable and also mostly limited to side effects. Evidence shows that Zoloft may work better than Prozac (fluoxetine) for some types of depression. Zoloft is highly effective for the treatment of panic disorder, but cognitive behavioral therapy is probably a better treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder, whether by itself or in combination with Zoloft. Although approved for social phobia and posttraumatic stress disorder, Zoloft leads to only modest improvement in these conditions.
Zoloft and Pregnancy – Zoloft Side effects
Some potential side effects of Zoloft include:
- Anxiety
- Constipation
- Decreased sexual desire or ability
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Increased sweating
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Nervousness
- Upset stomach
- Tiredness
- Trouble sleeping
- Tomiting
- Weight loss
Zoloft and Pregnancy
Many women have concerns regarding Zoloft and pregnancy. A recently published case-control study shows that infants born to mothers that took selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Zoloft after the twentieth week of pregnancy are 6 times more likely to have persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN) than babiess born to mothers who did not take antidepressants during pregnancy. The background risk of a woman giving birth to an infant affected by PPHN without taking an SSRI like Zoloft during pregnancy is estimated to be about 1 to 2 infants per 1000 live births. Neonatal PPHN is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The FDA is updating the prescribing information for all SSRIs including Zoloft with this new information.
The FDA is also gathering data from other sources related to the potential relation between SSRIs such as Zoloft and pregnancy and neonatal PPHN. The FDA will give additional information when it is available. In the meantime, the FDA suggests that doctors cautiously weigh and discuss with patients the potential risks and benefits of SSRI treatment throughout pregnancy, including late pregnancy.
Along with PPHN, there are other birth defects associated with Zoloft and pregnancy. To name a few, mothers who take Zoloft during pregnancy are more likely to have infants with gastroschisis, spina bifida, and heart murmurs.
Another study showed that babies whose mothers who combine Zoloft and pregnancy may be more likely to be born prematurely, have low birth weight, spend time in a neonatal intensive care unit, and have trouble adapting to life outside the womb.
As with most things, the benefits should be weighed against the risks. Combining Zoloft and pregnancy presents a special set of potential risks that may not be worth it. If you are considering Zoloft and pregnancy, you should first consult your physician. They may suggest alternate treatments, or they may consider the benefits of Zoloft during pregnancy worth the risks.
Zoloft and Pregnancy – Lawsuit
Call and speak to a Zoloft lawsuit attorney if you took Zoloft or generic sertraline during pregnancy and your child suffers from a congenital heart other birth defect. We encourage you to contact a Zoloft lawsuit attorney at our law firm immediately. It may be too late to avoid the serious side effects of Zoloft, but an experienced Zoloft lawsuit products liability attorney at the Willis Law Firm can assist you in filing a Zoloft lawsuit and taking legal action against the manufacturer of Zoloft. You are not alone. Join other victims who took Zoloft during pregnancy and their families in speaking up for and fighting for your legal rights with a Zoloft lawsuit.
Please fill out our free online legal evaluation form and we will contact you within 24 hours. Please keep in mind that certain states have statutes of limitation that limit the amount of time you have to file a Zoloft lawsuit or seek other legal action. Contact our law firm immediately so that we may explain the rights and options available to you and your family with regard to a Zoloft lawsuit against Pfizer, Inc.