The popular prescription medication Zoloft, known generically as sertraline, is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that is used for the treatment of depression, obsessive compulsive, and anxiety disorders. In the year 2007, Zoloft was the most prescribed antidepressant in the United States medical market with over 29 million prescriptions. SSRI medications, like Zoloft, work by increasing the serotonin levels in the brain which helps to stabilize various psychological disorders. Other popular antidepressants in this category include Prozac, Paxil, Lexapro, and Celexa. Unfortunately, all of these medications have been linked to an increase risk of many birth defects if taken while pregnant.
Zoloft Coarctation of the Aorta
The word “coarctate” means to become narrower or to constrict; correspondingly Coarctation of the Aorta refers to a congenital heart defect in which part of the aorta is narrowed and constricted. This heart condition has been linked by several medical studies to taking the SSRI antidepressant Zoloft during pregnancy. Problems arise from this condition because it makes it much more difficult for adequate blood flow to pass through the artery. Coarctation of the Aorta often occurs comorbidly with other Zoloft birth defects including: Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD), Bicuspid aortic valve, as well as defect where only one ventricle has formed. The symptoms present in Zoloft CoA depend largely on the amount of blood that is able to pass through the aorta, and sometimes there will be no symptoms.
Zoloft Coarctation of the Aorta Treatment and Complication
Once CoA has been diagnosed in an infant, they will likely need medication for stabilization. After this is done, surgery will be needed as quickly as possible in order to treat the symptoms as well as reduce the likelihood of further complications. If left untreated, Zoloft coarctation of the aorta will most likely result in death before the age of 40. Unfortunately, coarctation can return later in life even after surgical treatment; this is more common in patients who underwent surgery as an infant. Due to the various medical expenses for medications as well as surgery, the family of a child afflicted with Zoloft CoA may want to consider filing a lawsuit as one way to potentially lessen this financial burden.
File a CoA Lawsuit: Speak to a Zoloft Attorney
Was your child born with coarctation of the aorta (or other congenital defect) following prenatal exposure to an SSRI antidepressant, like Zoloft? If so, you may have a legal entitlement to financial compensation through a Zoloft lawsuit. Call the Willis Law Firm today in order to have your potential claim evaluated confidentially and completely free of charge or obligation. Our firm is currently reviewing birth defect cases across the nation; all antidepressant lawsuits are taken on a contingency fee basis.