Call Today for a FREE Confidential Case Review
Toll-Free 24/7 (866) 920-0753

Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) in Children Linked to Antidepressants if Taken by Mothers During Pregnancy

Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) in Children Linked to Antidepressants if Taken by Mothers During Pregnancy

The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is actively handling patent ductus arteriosus lawsuits in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know took an antidepressant while pregnant and your child has PDA, 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 Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)?

In a normal heart, the ductus arteriosus is a fetal blood vessel that closes shortly after birth. In infants born with PDA, however, the vessel does not close, resulting in irregular transmission of blood between the aorta and the pulmonary artery. This can put strain on the heart and increase blood pressure in the lung arteries. Patent ductus arteriosus is common in newborn children with congenital respiratory conditions such as hypoxia, and has a high occurrence in premature children.

Which Antidepressants are Linked to PDA?

The following antidepressants are linked to the development of patent ductus arteriosus 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 Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)

In some cases, small PDAs may close as the baby grows and not require surgical treatment. The child may need further treatment if the PDA is moderate to large, or is causing other health conditions. Treatment options include:

  • Surgery (PDA ligation) – The PDA is closed by tying or clipping it, which stops the blood flow across the ductus arteriosus. Ligation is typically only performed if the patient requires treatment early in life.
  • Transcatheter procedure – A plug is inserted by use of a catheter to constrict the PDA and stop the blood flowing. The transcatheter procedure is the most commonly used method to treat PDA.
  • Medications – Drugs may be prescribed to constrict the muscle in the wall of the PDA, thereby closing the opening. Other medications may the be used to strengthen the patient’s heart muscle and rid the body of excessive fluids.

Do I Have a Patent Ductus Arteriosus Lawsuit?

Our attorneys are currently accepting PDA cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know took an antidepressant during pregnancy and your child was born with patent ductus arteriosus, 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.

Free Case Evaluation


The Schmidt Firm, PLLC has been recognized as one of the nation’s leading plaintiffs' law firms and handles cases in all 50 states. We are very proud of our legal achievements, but equally self-respecting of our firm's reputation for providing personal attention to each and every client we represent.

No matter what type of case you have, you may contact us with confidence by filling out the email contact form below or calling us directly by dialing toll free 24 hrs/day (866) 920-0753.