Zoloft and Pregnancy

The use of Zoloft, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) drug, during pregnancy can lead to a number of serious conditions. These complications arise as a result of the side effects that are caused by this psychotropic medication.



Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension (PPHN)

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in its July 2006 alert said: "A recently published case-control study has shown that infants born to mothers who took selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) after the 20th week of pregnancy were 6 times more likely to have persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN)…”

The New York University's Langone Medical Center's Department of Pediatrics lists the use of SSRI antidepressants in late trimester in the factors that cause PPHN.

In a newborn with PPHN, the blood does not flow by the lungs, meaning that oxygen does not get picked up from the lungs and get transferred to the rest of the body. PPHN is therefore a very serious condition in the period immediately following birth as well as in the long run.

The following are the main symptoms of PPHN:

  • Rapid breathing, that is also known as Tachycardia
  • Blue tint to the skin – interestingly, this occurs even when the baby is receiving oxygen
  • Difficulty breathing – this may be characterized by flared nostrils or grunting sounds
  • Rapid heart rate – This is also termed as Tachycardia

    • Zoloft may cause autism

    Autism is a condition which seriously affects a child's ability to communicate and interact with others. The most grievous fact about autism is that it is irreversible. CNN reports that in the case of mothers that take Zoloft and similar antidepressants during pregnancy, their children are twice as likely to be diagnosed with autism or a related disorder.

    Autism's symptoms are shown in the baby's behavior, speech and social skills. For instance, they include:

  • A baby may fail to respond to his/her name
  • Has delayed speech or does not speak at all
  • Moves constantly or performs repetitive movements
  • Zoloft while pregnant

    • In addition to leading towards the development of PPHN and autism, the use of antidepressants such as Zoloft by pregnant mothers may increase the likelihood of having the following as well.

  • Low birth weight
  • Preterm birth
  • Heart defects
  • Miscarriage

    • Antidepressant drug use may also increase the chances of birth defects such as:

  • Limb malformation
  • Omphalocele - affecting the abdominal organs
  • Craniosynostosis - affecting the skull
  • Anencephaly - Affecting the spinal cord and brain

  • Babies in the womb of mothers taking antidepressants, that could include Zoloft, can also experience the following withdrawal symptoms.

  • Low blood sugar
  • Trouble feeding
  • Irritability
  • Jitteriness
  • Breathing problems
  • Know your Legal Rights

    • Pfizer, a renowned pharmaceutical company, is the manufacturer of Zoloft. The company admits on the drug's website that Zoloft is not for everyone. Furthermore, the use of antidepressants may increase suicidal thoughts in young and mothers, especially teenage ones.

    If you or someone you know has a child with PPHN, autism and/or other abovementioned conditions, they may be entitled to compensation against the medical expenses incurred as well as the pain and suffering due to the injuries caused to both the mother and the child.

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

    Q:What can be the possible effects of taking Zoloft While Pregnant?

    A:Zoloft can have various side effects in pregnancy, both on the health of a mother and the child as well. Major side effects associated with the drug include persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN), autism, low birth weight, premature birth, heart defects, and miscarriage. Mothers may experience low blood sugar, irritability, jitteriness, and breathing problems.

    Q:Is Zoloft safe during pregnancy?

    A:Zoloft is not a safe drug during pregnancy. It can have a number of dangerous side effects for the mother and the unborn baby. Use of Zoloft in pregnancy has been associated with serious birth defects and miscarriage. Pregnant women may also experience withdrawal side effects of the drug. It is best to consult the doctor about its side effects.

    Q:I have been taking Zoloft during pregnancy. Should I be concerned about its side effects?

    A:If you have been taking Zoloft during pregnancy, you will need to contact your doctor immediately. Zoloft is associated with various side effects on the mother and also the baby. In order to take precautionary steps and minimize withdrawal effects, you will need to take medical help on the matter.

    Q:Is Zoloft safe for pregnancy?

    A:Zoloft is not a safe drug for pregnancy. It has been associated with many side effects for the patient. Besides, it can lead to serious birth defects in the baby. Zoloft may cause the patient to suffer from side effects such as lack of sleep, abnormal appetite, drowsiness, diarrhea, and weight loss. Babies can suffer from various heart and organ defects, autism, and premature birth as well.

    Q:Can I take Zoloft while pregnant?

    A:Zoloft is prescribed to women during pregnancy. However, it does not come without side effects. Serious side effects have been associated with the use of Zoloft in the mother, as well as the child. If you have concerns regarding the use of drug, it is best to consult a physician, to find out complete information and look for alternate medicines.