Wellbutrin and Pregnancy

Bupropion hydrochloride, which is marketed under the brand name of Wellbutrin, is a widely prescribed medicine for treating depression. It is claimed to work by increasing the level of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. The drug is not without any harmful effects. It poses many serious health risks to mothers who use Wellbutrin during pregnancy.



Wellbutrin can lead to Heart Defects in the infants

The findings of a study that was conducted to determine if the use of bupropion drugs during early pregnancy can lead to congenital heart defects in the baby were published in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecolog in 2010. It was found that mothers of infants born with left-outflow tract heart defects were more likely to have been exposed to bupropion during the first three months of pregnancy as compared to mothers in the control group. Results of the study therefore create a positive association between the use of Wellbutrin and the occurrence of heart defects in infants.

Wellbutrin increases the risk of miscarriages and spontaneous abortion

Organization of Teratology Information reports the findings of a study which revealed that miscarriages are more common in pregnant women taking Bupropion or Wellbutrin as compared to those women who did not have the drug prescribed to them.

Results of some studies have shown that the chances of spontaneous abortion are higher among women who are exposed to particular types of antidepressant drugs. Studies by Chun-Fai-Chan et al. 2005 and Einarson et.al. 2009 found a statistically significant association between spontaneous abortion and the use of Wellbutrin.

Wellbutrin not safe for nursing mothers and the babies

According to the information by Stanford School of Medicine, Wellbutrin is not recommended for pregnant women. Even nursing mothers should be particularly cautious about the use of the drug. Wellbutrin can pass into breast milk and lead to a serious type of reaction in the baby. Therefore women should make sure that they don't breast-feed while they are taking the medication.

Other birth defects due to Wellbutrin exposure

Information about birth defects that may occur due to the exposure to Wellbutrin have been reported in the drug's manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline's Bupropion Pregnancy Prospective Registry for 1997 to 2008. Bupropion exposure has been linked with many side effects including, but not restricted to:

  • Bilateral clubfeet
  • Ventricular septal defects
  • Atrial septal defects
  • Premature birth with thickened heart muscle
  • Induced abortion with down syndrome

    • According to the Cleft Lip and Palate Foundation, the most common birth defects resulting from the use of SSRI drugs such as Wellbutrin include cleft lip and cleft palate. These are severe facial deformations that occur due to the gaps that remain while the facial structures of the babies are being formed

    Know Your Legal Rights

    If you or your child, or a loved one has suffered from any adverse health effect side effects because of the use of Wellbutrin, you must know about your legal rights. It is recommended that you see a lawyer who specializes in Wellbutrin lawsuits. Depending on your case, the lawyer will assist you in filing a lawsuit against those responsible for your condition, including those that prescribed it as well as the manufacturer. You may be eligible to file for compensation for the pain and suffering that you've had to go through and the expenses that have been incurred in treatment.

    To request for more information related to your case, please fill out the form on this page.
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    FAQs

    Q:Is Wellbutrin safe during pregnancy?

    A:The drug is used for treating depression resulting from pregnancy. However, many cases of birth defects have appeared that make the use of this drug questionable. A number of fatal birth defects such as congenital malformations, coarctation of the aorta, and ventricular septal defects (VSDs) have been associated with the drug.

    Q:I have heard that Wellbutrin has various side effects. Can I stop taking Wellbutrin while pregnant?

    A:Wellbutrin has a number of side effects for pregnant women, including fatal birth defects on babies. If you are taking Wellbutrin during pregnancy, you must contact your doctor immediately and discuss the side effects. It is not recommended that you stop the drug straight away, as it can also cause various withdrawal side effects.

    Q:Why isn't Wellbutrin safe during pregnancy?

    A:Wellbutrin is not a safe drug as it can have a number of side effects on the mother and baby. Besides serious health effects on mothers, Wellbutrin can lead to heart defects in babies. It can also lead to miscarriage and spontaneous abortion. It is not safe for nursing mothers either.

    Q:Can I have withdrawal symptoms of Wellbutrin while pregnant?

    A:If you are currently using the drug Wellbutrin, it is strongly recommended that you see a doctor urgently and discuss its side effects. It is not advised that you abruptly stop the intake, as it can result in withdrawal side effects and adverse reactions. Generally, a slow tapering of depression drugs is recommended.

    Q:Can one claim compensation for the side effects caused by Wellbutrin pregnancy?

    A:Yes, if you or your loved one has suffered from the adverse side effects of Wellbutrin, it is your legal right to claim compensation. You can fill out the quick form on our website to receive free consultation of your case. It is recommended that you look for an attorney who has experience in Wellbutrin cases.