Michael E. Schmidt of The Schmidt Firm, LLP has stated, “Our law firm has represented thousands of victims in pharmaceutical side effect and recall cases, however being a father of four, this particular litigation [antidepressant-induced birth defects] really strikes home. We are actively representing the children and families affected by the manufacturer’s inability to warn the mothers of the potential for congenital birth defects when taken during pregnancy.”

What is Anal Atresia?

Anal atresia (also commonly referred to as ‘imperforate anus’) is a congenital birth defect in which the opening to the anus is either missing or completely blocked. At least 60% of newborns with the condition have other defects, including problems with the esophagus, urinary tract, and bones. When a baby is born with anal atresia, it is usually detected quickly as it is a very obvious defect. Occasionally, however, anal atresia is missed until the baby is fed and signs of intestinal obstruction appear.

Which Antidepressants Have Been Linked to Anal Atresia?

The following antidepressants are linked to the development of anal atresia in newborn babies, infants, and children if their mothers took them while pregnant:

• Paxil (Paroxetine)
• Zoloft (Sertraline)
• Celexa (Citalopram)
• Prozac (Fluoxetine)
• Lexapro (Escitalopram)
• Symbyax (fluoxetine and olanzapine)
• Wellbutrin (Bupropion)
• Effexor (Venlafaxine)

Anal Atresia Treatment

Immediate surgical treatment will be needed in almost every case of anal atresia. Surgery is used to reconnect the abnormal bowel, create an anal opening, dilate a constricted anus or create a colostomy. Luckily, the outcome for children born with anal atresia is excellent if treated in a timely manner. For those who have a poor outcome from the initial surgery, further surgery is needed to better establish the angle between the anus and the rectum, which may improve continence and bowel control for the patient.

Do I Have an Anal Atresia Lawsuit?

Our attorneys are currently accepting anal atresia cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know took an antidepressant during pregnancy and your child was born with anal atresia, you should contact us immediately. You may be entitled to compensation and we can help. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Drug & Products Liability Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

Attention Lawyers: We consider a referral from another law firm to be one of the greatest compliments. If your firm is interested in referring us your case or for us to send you a list of previous award judgments and/or average referral fees, please visit the Lawyer Referral section of our website.

Michael E. Schmidt of The Schmidt Firm, LLP has stated, “Our law firm has represented thousands of victims in pharmaceutical side effect and recall cases, however being a father of four, this particular litigation [antidepressant-induced birth defects] really strikes home. We are actively representing the children and families affected by the manufacturer’s inability to warn the mothers of the potential for congenital birth defects when taken during pregnancy.”

What is Clubfoot?

Clubfoot, or congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV), is a birth defect in which the newborn’s legs are turned inward and downward. The condition can range from mild and flexible to severe and rigid. The involved foot, calf, and leg are smaller and shorter than the normal side. The bones, joints, muscles, and blood vessels of the limb are also abnormal. Many factors, including the use of the following antidepressants, seem to be involved in the development of clubfoot in newborn babies.

What Causes Clubfoot?

The following antidepressants are linked to the development of clubfoot in newborn babies, infants, and children if their mothers took them while pregnant:

• Paxil (Paroxetine)
• Zoloft (Sertraline)
• Celexa (Citalopram)
• Prozac (Fluoxetine)
• Lexapro (Escitalopram)
• Symbyax (fluoxetine and olanzapine)
• Wellbutrin (Bupropion)
• Effexor (Venlafaxine)

Treatment of Clubfoot

Clubfoot repair should be started as early in the child’s life as possible, and typically involves moving the foot into the correct position and using a cast to keep it there. Up to 10 casts may be needed, the last of which remains in place for 3 weeks. After the foot is in the correct position, a special brace is worn nearly full time for 3 months. Some severe cases of clubfoot will require surgery if other treatments do not work, or if the problem returns. The child should be monitored by a doctor until the foot is fully grown.

Do I Have a Clubfoot Lawsuit?

Our attorneys are currently accepting clubfoot cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know took an antidepressant during pregnancy and your child was born with clubfoot, you should contact us immediately. You may be entitled to compensation and we can help. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Drug & Products Liability Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

Attention Lawyers: We consider a referral from another law firm to be one of the greatest compliments. If your firm is interested in referring us your case or for us to send you a list of previous award judgments and/or average referral fees, please visit the Lawyer Referral section of our website.

Michael E. Schmidt of The Schmidt Firm, LLP has stated, “Our law firm has represented thousands of victims in pharmaceutical side effect and recall cases, however being a father of four, this particular litigation [antidepressant-induced birth defects] really strikes home. We are actively representing the children and families affected by the manufacturer’s inability to warn the mothers of the potential for congenital birth defects when taken during pregnancy.”

What is Esophageal Stenosis?

Esophageal stenosis (also commonly referred to as esophageal stricture) is a congenital birth defect characterized by a gradual narrowing of the esophagus, the tube that carries food to the stomach. In severe cases, the esophagus may be reduced to an opening the size of a pencil or smaller, which leads to problems swallowing and causes food and fluids to be delayed from moving into the stomach. Esophageal stenosis can be diagnosed with an X-Ray, computerized tomography scan, biopsy, or endoscopy in which a scope is passed into the esophagus.

What Antidepressants Are Linked to Esophageal Stenosis?

The following antidepressants are linked to the development of esophageal stenosis in newborn babies, infants, and children if their mothers took them while pregnant:

• Paxil (Paroxetine)
• Zoloft (Sertraline)
• Celexa (Citalopram)
• Prozac (Fluoxetine)
• Lexapro (Escitalopram)
• Symbyax (fluoxetine and olanzapine)
• Wellbutrin (Bupropion)
• Effexor (Venlafaxine)

Esophageal Stenosis Treatment

Esophageal stenosis is typically treated in one of three ways:

• Dilation – The esophagus is stretched by passing a dilator or air-filled balloon through a endoscope. Repeated dilation may be necessary to prevent the stricture from returning.
• Proton pump inhibitors – Medications such as omeprazole, lansoprazole or rabeprazole can help in keeping strictures from returning.
• Surgery – Surgical procedures are performed if a stricture can’t be dilated enough to allow solid food to pass through. Surgery is also sometimes performed if repeated dilations do not keep these strictures from returning.

Do I Have an Esophageal Stenosis Lawsuit?

Our attorneys are currently accepting esophageal stenosis cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know took an antidepressant during pregnancy and your child was born with esophageal stenosis, you should contact us immediately. You may be entitled to compensation and we can help. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Drug & Products Liability Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

Attention Lawyers: We consider a referral from another law firm to be one of the greatest compliments. If your firm is interested in referring us your case or for us to send you a list of previous award judgments and/or average referral fees, please visit the Lawyer Referral section of our website.

Michael E. Schmidt of The Schmidt Firm, LLP has stated, “Our law firm has represented thousands of victims in pharmaceutical side effect and recall cases, however being a father of four, this particular litigation [antidepressant-induced birth defects] really strikes home. We are actively representing the children and families affected by the manufacturer’s inability to warn the mothers of the potential for congenital birth defects when taken during pregnancy.”

What is Gastroschisis?

Similar to an omphalocele, gastroschisis (gas-tro-ski-sis) refers to a congenital birth defect in which there is a separation in the abdominal wall. Through this defect protrudes part of the intestines which are not covered by peritoneum (the membrane that normally lines the inside of the abdomen). The opening is usually to the right of the umbilical cord, and occurs in approximately 1 out of every 5,000 births. Gastroschisis is also commonly referred to as paraomphalocele.

What Causes Gastroschisis?

The following antidepressants are linked to the development of gastroschisis in newborn babies, infants, and children if their mothers took them while pregnant:

• Paxil (Paroxetine)
• Zoloft (Sertraline)
• Celexa (Citalopram)
• Prozac (Fluoxetine)
• Lexapro (Escitalopram)
• Symbyax (fluoxetine and olanzapine)
• Wellbutrin (Bupropion)
• Effexor (Venlafaxine)

Gastroschisis Repair

The goal of gastroschisis surgery is to place the organs back into the child’ s abdomen and repair the defect. This can either be performed with an immediate primary gastroschisis repair, or more commonly, a staged repair approach, depending upon the condition of the exposed bowel. The doctor will wait until the newborn is stable to do surgery (typically 7-10 days). During this time, a plastic pouch called a silo will be used to return most of the baby’s intestines and other organs into their belly.

Do I Have a Gastroschisis Lawsuit?

Our attorneys are currently accepting gastroschisis cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know took an antidepressant during pregnancy and your child was born with gastroschisis, you should contact us immediately. You may be entitled to compensation and we can help. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Drug & Products Liability Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

Attention Lawyers: We consider a referral from another law firm to be one of the greatest compliments. If your firm is interested in referring us your case or for us to send you a list of previous award judgments and/or average referral fees, please visit the Lawyer Referral section of our website.

Michael E. Schmidt of The Schmidt Firm, LLP has stated, “Our law firm has represented thousands of victims in pharmaceutical side effect and recall cases, however being a father of four, this particular litigation [antidepressant-induced birth defects] really strikes home. We are actively representing the children and families affected by the manufacturer’s inability to warn the mothers of the potential for congenital birth defects when taken during pregnancy.”

What is Omphalocele?

An omphalocele is a congenital hernia in which the infant’s intestine or other abdominal organs stick out of the belly button (navel). In newborns suffering from this condition, the intestines are covered only by a thin layer of transparent tissue. Omphaloceles occur when the abdominal wall does not close properly during fetal development. The extent to which abdominal contents protrude through the base of the umbilical cord will vary on a case by case basis.

What Antidepressants Are Linked to Omphalocele?

The following antidepressants are linked to the development of omphalocele in newborn babies, infants, and children if their mothers took them while pregnant:

• Paxil (Paroxetine)
• Zoloft (Sertraline)
• Celexa (Citalopram)
• Prozac (Fluoxetine)
• Lexapro (Escitalopram)
• Symbyax (fluoxetine and olanzapine)
• Wellbutrin (Bupropion)
• Effexor (Venlafaxine)

Omphalocele Repair

Omphalocele repair is surgery to fix the defect in the wall of the belly in which all or parts of the small intestine or other organs stick outside the abdomen in a thin sac. The goal of surgery is to place the abdominal organs back into the baby’s body and repair the defect. The intestines and other organs can be gently squeezed into the belly with the help of a plastic pouch called a silo. The surgeon will make a cut to remove the sac around the organs, and the intestine is examined closely for signs of damage or other birth defects. Unhealthy parts will be removed, and the healthy edges will be stitched together.

Do I Have an Omphalocele Lawsuit?

Our attorneys are currently accepting omphalocele cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know took an antidepressant during pregnancy and your child was born with an omphalocele, you should contact us immediately. You may be entitled to compensation and we can help. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Drug & Products Liability Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

Attention Lawyers: We consider a referral from another law firm to be one of the greatest compliments. If your firm is interested in referring us your case or for us to send you a list of previous award judgments and/or average referral fees, please visit the Lawyer Referral section of our website.

Michael E. Schmidt of The Schmidt Firm, LLP has stated, “Our law firm has represented thousands of victims in pharmaceutical side effect and recall cases, however being a father of four, this particular litigation [antidepressant-induced birth defects] really strikes home. We are actively representing the children and families affected by the manufacturer’s inability to warn the mothers of the potential for congenital birth defects when taken during pregnancy.”

What is Craniosynostosis?

A newborn baby’s brain undergoes a rapid phase of growth and development immediately after being born. In order to accommodate such rapid growth, the newborn’s skull cap must expand rapidly as well. Rather than being one single large piece of bone, a newborn’s skull is made up of several bones which are held together by fibrous-like hinges called sutures, which respond to brain growth by stretching and allowing the skull to grow. Should any of these sutures close while the brain is still growing, a condition called craniosynostosis occurs.
Premature fusing of the sutures restricts and distorts the growth of the skull. This often results in increased cranial pressure growth, which can cause vision problems and impede intellectual development. Additionally, abnormal head shape has been linked to low self-esteem and behavioral problems.

Which Antidepressants Have Been Linked to Craniosynostosis?

The following antidepressants are linked to the development of craniosynostosis in newborn babies, infants, and children if their mothers took them while pregnant:

• Paxil (Paroxetine)
• Zoloft (Sertraline)
• Celexa (Citalopram)
• Prozac (Fluoxetine)
• Lexapro (Escitalopram)
• Symbyax (fluoxetine and olanzapine)
• Wellbutrin (Bupropion)
• Effexor (Venlafaxine)

Surgery for Craniosynostosis

Craniosynostosis surgery should be performed before the baby is three months old because the bones of the skull are easy to work with at this age, and the covering of the brain (dura) can make bone on its own. Additionally, the growing brain can continue to reshape the skull and face after the surgery. One surgery shortly after birth is typically required to correct craniosynostosis, although some children may need additional procedures at 4-5 years of age.

Do I Have a Craniosynostosis Lawsuit?

Our attorneys are currently accepting craniosynostosis cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know took an antidepressant during pregnancy and your child was born with craniosynostosis, you should contact us immediately. You may be entitled to compensation and we can help. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Drug & Products Liability Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

Attention Lawyers: We consider a referral from another law firm to be one of the greatest compliments. If your firm is interested in referring us your case or for us to send you a list of previous award judgments and/or average referral fees, please visit the Lawyer Referral section of our website.

Michael E. Schmidt of The Schmidt Firm, LLP has stated, “Our law firm has represented thousands of victims in pharmaceutical side effect and recall cases, however being a father of four, this particular litigation [antidepressant-induced birth defects] really strikes home. We are actively representing the children and families affected by the manufacturer’s inability to warn the mothers of the potential for congenital birth defects when taken during pregnancy.”

Pulmonary Stenosis: An Overview

Pulmonary stenosis is a congenital (present at birth) heart valve disorder that involves the pulmonary valve, which separates the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery. The pulmonary artery carries deoxygenated blood to the lungs. Stenosis occurs when the valve cannot open wide enough. The resulting pressure is much higher than normal in the right ventricle and the heart must work extra hard to pump blood out into the lung arteries. Over time this can cause damage to the overworked heart muscle.

What Causes Pulmonary Stenosis?

The following antidepressants are linked to the development of pulmonary stenosis in newborn babies, infants, and children if their mothers took them while pregnant:

• Paxil (Paroxetine)
• Zoloft (Sertraline)
• Celexa (Citalopram)
• Prozac (Fluoxetine)
• Lexapro (Escitalopram)
• Symbyax (fluoxetine and olanzapine)
• Wellbutrin (Bupropion)
• Effexor (Venlafaxine)

Types of Pulmonary Stenosis

Four different varieties of pulmonary stenosis have been identified by the medical community. They include:

• Valvar Pulmonary Stenosis – The valve leaflets are thickened or narrowed.
• Supravalvar Pulmonary Stenosis - The pulmonary artery just above the pulmonary valve is narrowed and/or thickened.
• Subvalvar (infundibular) Pulmonary Stenosis – The muscle under the valve is thickened or narrowed, constricting the outflow tract from the right ventricle.
• Branch Peripheral Pulmonic Stenosis – The right or left pulmonary artery is narrowed or thickened.

Pulmonary valve stenosis symptoms vary, depending on the type and extent to which the valve is obstructed. Call your doctor immediately if your child experiences shortness of breath, fainting, or chest pain. Prompt evaluation and treatment can help reduce the risk of complications greatly.

Do I Have a Pulmonary Stenosis Lawsuit?

Our attorneys are currently accepting pulmonary stenosis cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know took an antidepressant during pregnancy and your child was born with pulmonary stenosis, you should contact us immediately. You may be entitled to compensation and we can help. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Drug & Products Liability Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

Michael E. Schmidt of The Schmidt Firm, LLP has stated, “Our law firm has represented thousands of victims in pharmaceutical side effect and recall cases, however being a father of four, this particular litigation [antidepressant-induced birth defects] really strikes home. We are actively representing the children and families affected by the manufacturer’s inability to warn the mothers of the potential for congenital birth defects when taken during pregnancy.”

UPDATE: Risk of PPHN Doubled in Women who Took Antidepressants

In January 2012, researchers found that women who take SSRI antidepressants during pregnancy may be twice as likely to have a baby with PPHN. Numerically, this means that the risk increases from 1.2 cases of PPHN per 1,000 live births to 2.1 per 1,000 live births. The researchers looked at data from 30,000 women who took antidepressants during pregnancy, and found that the association was strongest in women who took the medication late in pregnancy. They stressed that the number of cases is small, more research needs to be conducted, and depression is also a serious disease. Until more research is conducted, women who take SSRI antidepressants during pregnancy should consider the slightly increased risk to their unborn child.

What is Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN)?

PPHN is a relatively rare but life-threatening congenital (present at birth) heart defect that can cause both immediate and long-term complications and health concerns. When a baby is in the womb, the oxygen is supplied through the umbilical cord. After birth, the baby’s system should switch to receive oxygen from the lungs. In children born with persistent pulmonary hypertension, the heart, blood vessels, and lungs fail to make the adjustment. The blood does not interact with the lungs, and instead circulates as it did in the womb. PPHN occurs most often in full-term or post-term babies who have had a difficult birth, or conditions such as infection or birth asphyxia, in which a baby receives an inadequate amount of oxygen during delivery.

What Antidepressants Are Linked to PPHN?

The following antidepressants are linked to the development of persistent pulmonary hypertension in newborn babies, infants, and children if their mothers took them while pregnant:

• Paxil (Paroxetine)
• Zoloft (Sertraline)
• Celexa (Citalopram)
• Prozac (Fluoxetine)
• Lexapro (Escitalopram)
• Symbyax (fluoxetine and olanzapine)
• Wellbutrin (Bupropion)
• Effexor (Venlafaxine)

PPHN Treatment

The main goal of treatment for PPHN is to increase oxygen levels to the newborn’s organs to avoid serious health problems. Treatment may include a wide range of options including (but not limited to):

• Oxygen – Supplemental oxygen may be provided to the infant through a mask or plastic hood.
• Assisted Ventilation – Procedure in which a ventilator takes over the baby’s breathing.
• Nitric Oxide – N20 has been shown to be effective in treating PPHN due to the fact that it relaxes lung blood vessels and improves blood flow to the lungs.
• Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) - Similar to a heart-lung bypass machine, an ECMO machine may be used on infants who are experiencing catastrophic heart or lung failure. It delivers oxygen to the brain and body as temporary support while the pulmonary hypertension resolves.

Do I Have a PPHN Lawsuit?

Our attorneys are currently accepting PPHN cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know took an antidepressant during pregnancy and your child was born with persistent pulmonary hypertension, you should contact us immediately. You may be entitled to compensation and we can help. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Drug & Products Liability Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

Attention Lawyers: We consider a referral from another law firm to be one of the greatest compliments. If your firm is interested in referring us your case or for us to send you a list of previous award judgments and/or average referral fees, please visit the Lawyer Referral section of our website.

Michael E. Schmidt of The Schmidt Firm, LLP has stated, “Our law firm has represented thousands of victims in pharmaceutical side effect and recall cases, however being a father of four, this particular litigation [antidepressant-induced birth defects] really strikes home. We are actively representing the children and families affected by the manufacturer’s inability to warn the mothers of the potential for congenital birth defects when taken during pregnancy.”

What is a Heart Murmur?

A heart murmur is a swishing or whistling sound that can be detected by a doctor with the use of a stethoscope. Murmurs are typically caused by blood flowing through a damaged or overworked heart valve, and are usually indicative of an underlying heart valve problem. To determine what kind of valve problem a patient has, a doctor can perform a variety of tests such as echocardiogram, electrocardiogram, chest x-ray, or cardiac catheterization. Heart murmurs may be present at birth or may result from other illnesses such as rheumatic fever, heart disease, heart attacks, or infective endocarditis.

Which Antidepressants Are Linked to Heart Murmurs?

The following antidepressants are linked to the development of heart murmurs in newborn babies, infants, and children if their mothers took them while pregnant:

• Paxil (Paroxetine)
• Zoloft (Sertraline)
• Celexa (Citalopram)
• Prozac (Fluoxetine)
• Lexapro (Escitalopram)
• Symbyax (fluoxetine and olanzapine)
• Wellbutrin (Bupropion)
• Effexor (Venlafaxine)

Signs & Symptoms of Heart Murmurs

Because symptoms of a heart murmur can be vague, many people dismiss telltale signs. Oftentimes, the condition is diagnosed only after the heartbeat is listened to through a stethoscope. Common signs & symptoms of a heart murmur include (but are not limited to):

• Chest pain
• Fast heartbeat
• Winded feeling
• Tiredness
• Bluish skin tone in newborn babies

Do I Have a Heart Murmur Lawsuit?

Our attorneys are currently accepting heart murmur cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know took an antidepressant during pregnancy and your child was born with a heart murmur, you should contact us immediately. You may be entitled to compensation and we can help. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Drug & Products Liability Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

Attention Lawyers: We consider a referral from another law firm to be one of the greatest compliments. If your firm is interested in referring us your case or for us to send you a list of previous award judgments and/or average referral fees, please visit the Lawyer Referral section of our website.

Michael E. Schmidt of The Schmidt Firm, LLP has stated, “Our law firm has represented thousands of victims in pharmaceutical side effect and recall cases, however being a father of four, this particular litigation [antidepressant-induced birth defects] really strikes home. We are actively representing the children and families affected by the manufacturer’s inability to warn the mothers of the potential for congenital birth defects when taken during pregnancy.”

What is Tricuspid Valve Stenosis?

The tricuspid valve is located between the right atrium and the right ventricle of the heart. It is the largest of the four valves in the heart. Tricuspid valve stenosis is a congenital (present at birth) defect characterized by a narrowing or stiffening of the opening in the valves, which causes increased resistance to blood flow through the valve. As a result, the atrium is enlarged and the pressure in the right atrium is raised. Tricuspid valve disorders may produce heart murmurs that can be heard by use of a stethoscope.

What Antidepressants Have Been Linked to Tricuspid Valve Stenosis?

The following antidepressants are linked to the development of tricuspid valve stenosis in newborn babies, infants, and children if their mothers took them while pregnant:

• Paxil (Paroxetine)
• Zoloft (Sertraline)
• Celexa (Citalopram)
• Prozac (Fluoxetine)
• Lexapro (Escitalopram)
• Symbyax (fluoxetine and olanzapine)
• Wellbutrin (Bupropion)
• Effexor (Venlafaxine)

Tricuspid Valve Stenosis Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of tricuspid valve stenosis range from mild to severe. Symptoms typically develop when narrowing of the valve is severe and can include:

• Chest pain (angina) or tightness
• Feeling faint or fainting with exertion
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Heart palpitations — sensations of a rapid, fluttering heartbeat
• Heart murmur

Do I Have a Tricuspid Valve Stenosis Lawsuit?

Our attorneys are currently accepting tricuspid valve stenosis cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know took an antidepressant during pregnancy and your child was born with tricuspid valve stenosis, you should contact us immediately. You may be entitled to compensation and we can help. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Drug & Products Liability Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

Attention Lawyers: We consider a referral from another law firm to be one of the greatest compliments. If your firm is interested in referring us your case or for us to send you a list of previous award judgments and/or average referral fees, please visit the Lawyer Referral section of our website.