Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitor Medication And Pregnancy Article

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Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitor Medication and Pregnancy

Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a popular class of anti-depressant medication. The most disturbing health problems associated with SSRIs in recent years is their link to birth defects in children born to mothers taking these drugs during pregnancy.

Author: Sara Goldstein

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Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a popular class of anti-depressant medication. These drugs are prescribed for the treatment of depression, anxiety disorders and personality disorder. These disorders include obsessive compulsive disorder and eating disorders. Research suggests by elevating the levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin some symptoms of the disorders seem to be relieved. Low levels of serotonin are often indicated in anxiety disorders.

Adverse Reactions

At first, SSRIs were thought to be much safer than other anti-depressant medication. Adverse reactions were also thought to be mild. Indications of an adverse reaction to an SSRI include:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Drowsiness
• Changes in/diminished sex drive
• Weight/appetite fluctuations
• Increased depression and/or anxiety

The following is a list of selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor medications listing their generic names and brand names in parenthesis.

• Citalopram (Celexa)
• Escitalopram (Lexapro)
• Fluoxetine (Prozac)
• Paroxetine (Paxil)
• Sertraline (Zoloft)

Even though SSRIs are not thought to be addictive, discontinuing them suddenly is not recommended. Sudden discontinuation can cause (SSRI discontinuation syndrome). This syndrome causes both psychological and physical withdrawal symptoms. Therefore, physicians recommend a very gradual tapering off of these drugs instead of sudden discontinuation.

Birth Defects and SSRIs

The most disturbing health problems associated with SSRIs in recent years is their link to birth defects in children born to mothers taking these drugs during pregnancy. Infants born to mothers prescribed Zoloft (generic sertraline) were six times more likely to be diagnosed with persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN) than those infants born to mothers who were not prescribed Zoloft during pregnancy. In addition Celexa (generic citalopram) has been liked to coronary birth defects.

About Author

If you live in Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia or Florida and your child has suffered a birth defect due to anti-depressant medication prescribed to you during your pregnancy, please visit the website of Burke, Harvey & Frankowski, LLC today and learn about your rights and whether you are entitled to compensation.

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Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitor Medication and Pregnancy