Zoloft and PPHN
Also known as sertraline, Zoloft is one of the more popular options in the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) category of drugs. As an antidepressant, SSRI’s target chemicals in the brain in an attempt to alter chemical imbalances within the nerves. Zoloft and other SSRI’s are also used to treat panic disorder, premenstrual dysphonic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, post traumatic stress disorder and social anxiety disorder.
FDA Warnings
In 2006, the FDA released a warning which acknowledged repeated cases linking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors with Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN). The warnings claimed that mothers who took SSRI’s after the 20th week of pregnancy were 6 times more likely to have infants with PPHN than infants with mothers who did not take antidepressants during the pregnancy. Since then, the FDA has worked to update and provide additional information pertaining to the link between SSRI’s and birth defects such as PPHN. Along with PPHN, antidepressants have been linked to numerous other birth defects, including cleft lip/palate, and more heart defects.
Zoloft and other SSRI antidepressants are currently designated in the Category C class of pregnancy drugs. This assignment means that previous research has tied the drugs to an adverse effect in the fetus during animal reproduction studies. Although the classification recognizes an adverse effect in animals, Category C also means that controlled trials with the listed drug have yet to be taken on humans. These classifications are determined by how much a medication can interfere in the development of the fetus during pregnancy.
Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN)
PPHN is widely known as one of the most severe types of birth defects and risks to infants. It is a lung condition that usually occurs soon after a baby is born, leaving the arteries severely restricted. With PPHN, a newborn could end up with high amounts of pressure within the lungs’ blood vessels and pulmonary artery. PPHN can also have an adverse affect on the process of getting the proper amount of oxygen into the bloodstream. In many cases, newborns with PPHN have dealt with rapid heart and breathing rates, as well as skin problems.
SSRI’s and PPHN
Because Zoloft (sertraline) is just one of many options in the SSRI class of drugs, there are some other antidepressants that have been linked to birth defects such as PPHN when used during pregnancy. Some of the other SSRI’s that have been tied to PPHN include:
- Lexapro
- Paxil
- Prozac
