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

Esophageal Stenosis Congenital Birth Defects in Children Linked to Antidepressants if Taken by Mothers During Pregnancy

Esophageal Stenosis Congenital Birth Defects in Children Linked to Antidepressants if Taken by Mothers During Pregnancy

The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is actively handling esophageal stenosis lawsuits in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know took an antidepressant while pregnant and your child has esophageal stenosis, 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 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.

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.