Lexapro and Pregnancy
Lexapro and Pregnancy
Lexapro is a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI), a type of antidepressant designed to raise available serotonin levels in the brain by inhibiting their reuptake once they are released. Lexapro and other SSRIs are prescribed for treatment of depression, anxiety, and other behavioral or mood disorders. Pregnant mothers who exhibited any of these disorders, whether due to their pregnancy or their other medical history, may have been prescribed Lexapro while pregnant.
If your baby was born with a birth defect, you may be entitled to compensation through a lawsuit. Fill out the simple form to the right for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.
SSRIs and Pregnancy
Research has shown that serotonin plays a role in fetal development, which could explain the reported link between certain birth defects and Lexapro. Among the reported SSRI birth defects are:
- Heart defects
- Abdominal defects
- Cranial defects
- Club foot
- Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN)
Birth Defect Lawsuits
If the pharmaceutical companies failed to conduct the proper research and testing, or knew about the potential for SSRI and birth defects and failed to warn the public, they could be held liable for negligence. It has been alleged by certain medical journals (including the New England Journal of Medicine) that information about SSRIs has been misrepresented for some time, including their overall efficacy in treating depression (which may not be much greater than placebo) and, most pertinently, the risks associated with pregnant women who stop taking the drugs.
If your baby was born with a birth defect from taking Lexapro, speak with one of our attorneys to see if you can recover compensation for medical bills and other damages, including pain and suffering. Fill out our simple case evaluation form to learn more about taking legal action, at no cost or obligation to you.