Zoloft Birth Defects
Zoloft, also known as sertraline, is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant drug. Essentially Zoloft targets the serotonin chemical in the brain, one of many that relay messages between nerves, to correct a chemical imbalance, improving patient symptoms.
Along with depression, Zoloft is used in the treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder, premenstrual dysphonic disorder, panic disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, and social anxiety disorder.
What You Should Know
Scientific studies have linked Zoloft and similar SSRI’s to numerous birth defects, including life altering heart problems, pulmonary hypertension, as well as a host of other possible defects. The Food and Drug Administration has placed SSRI antidepressants such as Zoloft in its “Category C” pregnancy class. Assignment in this class means research has shown an adverse effect on the fetus in animal reproductive studies, though such controlled studies have not been taken on humans. These classes of medications are evaluated based on their capability of interfering in the development of the fetus.
Heart Defects
Research has concluded that using antidepressants during pregnancy can increase the chance of a child being born with a heart defect such as coarctation of the aorta, hypoplastic left heart syndrome, heart valve abnormity, atrial septal defect, ventricular septal defect, and patent ductus arteriosus.
Pulmonary Hypertension
Persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN) is a serious lung condition that can occur soon after a baby is born. Babies with PPHN have high pressure in the blood vessels of the lungs and have problems getting the proper amount of oxygen into the bloodstream. A newborn with PPHN may have rapid heart and breathing rates, difficulty breathing, and blue-looking skin due to inadequate oxygen levels.
Cleft Lip/Palate
These craniofacial birth defects can have an adverse affect on the upper lip (cleft lip) and the roof of the mouth (cleft palate). The defect can range from a small opening in the lip to a large gap within the roof of the nose and mouth. Research has linked Zoloft to numerous birth defects, including cleft lip and palate.
Other Birth Defects Associated with Zoloft
Among other common birth defects associated with Zoloft are cranial birth defects, neural tube defects, clubfoot, anal atresia, and abdominal effects. Newborns might also face a host of other side effects as a result of Zoloft use during the pregnancy. These include tremors, breathing difficulty, feeding problems, and seizures.
