Zoloft Lawsuits Involve Birth Defects Like PPHN

Zoloft and other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, can cause persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN) in newborns. PPHN occurs when the baby does not successfully shift from receiving oxygen from the umbilical cord to breathing on his or her own.

Symptoms of PPHN usually appear within 12 hours of birth and include bluish skin, difficulty breathing or rapid breathing and rapid heart rate. Physicians may diagnose PPHN using chest x-rays, an ultrasound of the heart (echocardiogram), or an ultrasound of the head. These tests look for signs of PPHN such as altered circulation, bleeding in the brain, or lung disease.

When to Consider a Zoloft Lawsuit

Like all SSRI medications, Zoloft (sertraline) is primarily used to treat depression. It may also be prescribed for panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder, social anxiety and other conditions. This SSRI works by making more serotonin available in the brain.

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter. Altering the amount of serotonin in the brain can improve mood. Unfortunately, when used by pregnant women, this SSRI can also cause serious birth defects. Along with PPHN, these include abdominal defects, cranial defects, and heart defects.

If symptoms of PPHN or other Zoloft birth defects occur in babies whose mothers used this SSRI, parents may want to consider a Zoloft lawsuit.

Steps in a Zoloft Lawsuit

For most people, even the thought of a Zoloft lawsuit is worrisome. Families fear the financial tolls, increased stress, and emotional turmoil of dragging a case into court. Many Zoloft lawsuits may be settled out of court, however. Hiring a competent Zoloft lawyer may give you increased confidence in your legal rights.

Zoloft lawsuits are typically brought against pharmaceutical manufacturers, and seek monetary compensation for physical and mental harm caused by use of these medications. While Zoloft lawyers cannot advise you to start or stop taking any medication, they can serve as trusted, third-party consultants for your case.

Contact a Zoloft Lawyer

If Zoloft or another SSRI has harmed you, or if your child was born with Zoloft defects like PPHN, abdominal defects, cranial defects or heart defects, you may want to contact a Zoloft lawyer.

At Chaffin Luhana, LLP, a compassionate legal team is waiting to review your case at no charge. Call this experienced legal team at 1-888-480-1123 today.