Zoloft, an antidepressant medication manufactured by Pfizer received numerous complaints due to its association with birth defects. Reports have been made indicating that women who were under Zoloft medication while pregnant had babies with congenital cardiac defects. A skull deformity, craniosynostosis is reportedly linked with the use of Zoloft during pregnancy too. Aside from that, neonates also had serious symptoms including seizures, tremors, irritability, constant crying and decreased oxygen in the bloodstream. Aside from its association with birth defects, questions were also raised whether or not
Zoloft increases suicidal thoughts. A number of other complaints and lawsuits were raised against this medication but the majority is related to birth defects.
How Zoloft Works
Zoloft is an antidepressant that is mainly prescribed for patients with major depression. This is under the Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) drug class and it acts by blocking the reuptake of serotonin in the brain to maintain a balance. The neurotransmitter serotonin is excitatory in nature and plays a role in building our mood. Low levels of serotonin in the brain can manifest depression while high levels can show signs of mania. Zoloft functions to manage the signs of depression and other mood disorders such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Panick Attacks, Anxiety and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
How Zoloft Affects the Growing Fetus
As mentioned, complaints were filed because of the numerous reports with regard to birth defects. Research shows that Zoloft can affect the growing fetus even when taken during the third trimester when organogenesis is done, as this phenomenon occurs in the first trimester of pregnancy. This results into several heart complications. The most common cardiac defects associated with the use of Zoloft are Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) and Atrial Septal Defect (ASD). These are rather serious conditions when left untreated. The lung condition Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension (PPHN), although rare, can also happen. PPHN is marked by constricted arteries leading to the lungs hence making the baby unable to fully adapt to the life outside the womb. The amount of blood that will be carried into the lungs will be minimal due to the limitation which will result to limited oxygen into the bloodstream. The mentioned Zoloft birth defects are serious and can be life threatening which prompted the affected individuals to file for lawsuits.
