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Craniosynostosis Birth Defects in Children Linked to Antidepressants if Taken by Mothers During Pregnancy

The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is actively handling craniosynostosis lawsuits in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know took an antidepressant while pregnant and your child has craniosynostosis, you should contact us immediately. You may be entitled to compensation and our law firm can help.

Michael E. Schmidt of The Schmidt Firm, PLLC 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.

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