Lexapro Birth Defects

Over the last several years, more information has surfaced regarding the link between mothers who used an SSRI drug and their newborn developing a Lexapro birth defect. We are currently investigating cases on behalf of families whose infant was affected by serious side effects and filing a Lexapro birth defects lawsuit. If your infant suffered from birth defects please contact us for a free consultation of how we can help.

Abdominal Birth Defects: Also referred to as “Omphalocele”. An omphalocele is a birth defect where the infant’s intestine or other abdominal organs stick out of the navel. An omphalocele is a type of hernia or rupture. Women who used an SSRI antidepressant drug such as Lexapro may have had an increased risk of having an infant with abdominal birth defects (omphalocele).

Cranial Birth Defects: Also referred to as “craniosynostosis”. This birth defect of the brain is characterized by the premature closing of one or more of the fibrous joints between the bones of the skull before brain growth is complete. Treatment typically consists of surgery to help improve the symmetry and appearance of the head and also to relieve pressure on the brain and cranial nerves.

PPHN: (Persistent pulmonary hypertension) PPHN is a serious cardiopulmonary or lung disorder that affects newborns. In 2006 the FDA announced a Public Health Advisory for Lexapro and other SSRI drugs regarding a study that suggested a PPHN risk that was six times more common in newborns where the mother used SSRI antidepressant medication during their pregnancy. PPHN of the newborn is the result of elevated pulmonary vascular resistance where venous blood is diverted through fetal channels into the systemic circulation bypassing the lungs which results in systemic arterial hypoxemia.

Heart Birth Defects: Following studies involving SSRI medications and birth defects, some people have suggested that the drug Lexapro may also increase the risk for birth defects, particularly Lexapro heart defects, when women take it during the first three months of pregnancy. According to a study involving around a half million children in Denmark, the use of an SSRI drug early in pregnancy doubled the risk of a type of heart defect involving a piece of tissue that separates parts of the heart.

Please contact us for a free no-obligation case review if your baby suffers from Lexapro birth defects. We are ready to help and can explain your legal options including being part of a Lexapro birth defects lawsuit. There is never any charge to speak to one of our attorneys. We are currently investigating cases throughout the United States. Call or e-mail us for the latest litigation updates and claim filing deadlines.