Prozac and its Potential Danger
Prozac is an antidepressant drug used to treat clinical depression and other anxiety disorders such as the following: bulimia nervosa, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Prozac is recognized as a Selective Serotonin Reputake Inhibitor because it raises the amount of serotonin in the brain – creating a feeling of well being. Studies have found that Prozac and other SSRI drugs have the potential to cause congenital birth defects, and as a result, victims are seeking retribution through Prozac lawsuits.
Prozac and Congenital Birth Defects
Health Canada warned the public of the potential side effects of Prozac in 2004. Among reported Prozac birth defects are an increased risk of congenital heart defects, Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN) and serious withdrawal symptoms.
Many of the congenital heart defects are medically treatable if they are caught and addressed early on in an infant’s life. Often times, surgery is required in the first three years of a child’s life, and then again, potentially multiple times, as the child grows up. The potential heart defects that may occur from exposure to Prozac include the following:
- Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS)
- Pulmonary Atresia
- Tricuspic Atresia
- Transposition of the Great Vessels
- Atrial Septal Defect (hole in the heart)
- Ventricular Septal Defect (hole in the heart)
- Coarctation of the Aorta
- Tetralogy of Fallot
- Double Outlet Right Ventricle
- Truncus Arteriosus
- Double Inlet Left Ventricle
- Double Aortic Arch
In addition to heart defects, cranial defects, and abdominal defects, PPHN may also occur as a result of exposure to Prozac during the early stages of fetal development. PPHN occurs when blood pressure in the lungs remains low after birth – which causes the heart’s blood pressure to increase, and the amount of oxygen in the bloodstream to decrease to inadequate levels throughout the body.
How to Start a Prozac Lawsuit
If you took Prozac medication during pregnancy and your baby suffered any type of birth defect, you may qualify for damages or remedies that may be awarded in a possible Prozac lawsuit. You are urged to contact Chaffin Luhana today at 1-888-480-1123 to speak with a Prozac lawyer – the call is free and confidential. A Chaffin Luhana Prozac lawyer is ready to assist you.
