Lawsuits are being filed all across the United States in response to increasing evidence that taking antidepressant medications while pregnant can lead to a wide range of birth defects. This litigation is being filed that the pharmaceutical companies responsible for these various drugs could have or should have known of these potential risks and failed in their responsibility to properly warn consumers. One of these antidepressants, Zoloft, has been linked to several devastating congenital heart defects, including Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD). It is believed that the neurotransmitter affected in these antidepressants in these medications (serotonin) may be acting as morphogen, sending messages to the fetus regarding development, which create adverse effects. Zoloft is not the only SSRI linked to ventricular septal defect; others include Paxil, Prozac, Lexapro, Effexor, and Celexa.
Zoloft Ventricular Septal Defect
During fetal development the wall between the right and left ventricles forms in order to separate these two heart chambers. When this wall fails to close and one or more holes are present at the time of birth, this condition is called a ventricular septal defect, or VSD. VSD is one of the most common birth defects, and it has been linked to taking the antidepressant Zoloft while pregnant. In some cases a ventricular septal defect will occur with another Zoloft birth defect
Zoloft VSD Complications and Treatment
If a Zoloft ventricular septal defect is small, there is a chance that it will close on its own after birth and create no symptoms for the baby. Unfortunately, larger defects can present a risk of serious heart problems if not identified and treated quickly. If left untreated, a large Zoloft VSD will result in an excess of blood pumped to the lungs and heart failure. This congenital heart defect is typically treated with a combination of medicine and surgery; sometimes a “Gore-tex” patch is needed as well.
File a Zoloft Lawsuit: Speak to a VSD Attorney
Was your child born with a ventricular septal defect or other birth defect following prenatal exposure to an antidepressant medication? If so, you and your child may have a legal right to financial compensation through a Zoloft VSD lawsuit. Call the Willis Law Firm today for a obligation and cost free antidepressant birth defect consultation. When you call, we will provide you with the information you need in order to know if a lawsuit is the right course of action for your family. Currently, we are accepting birth defect cases nationwide on a contingency fee basis; no fees will be billed to you unless a successful recovery is obtained.