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Heart Valve Disease in Babies Linked to Antidepressants if Taken by Mothers While Pregnant

Heart Valve Disease in Babies Linked to Antidepressants if Taken by Mothers While Pregnant

The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is actively handling heart valve disease birth defect lawsuits in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know took an antidepressant while pregnant and your child has a heart valve birth defect, 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 Heart Valve Disease?

Heart valve disease is a rare congenital anomaly which disrupts the flow of blood through the heart. Heart valves can develop one or both of these problems:

  • The valve opening becomes narrow (stenotic), which limits the amount of blood pumped to the rest of the body.
  • The valve does not close completely (valve insufficiency or regurgitation). In this case, blood can flow backward instead of only forward. Backward blood flow reduces the heart’s ability to pump blood to the rest of the body, and causes a buildup of back pressure in the heart and lungs.

What Antidepressants Have Been Found to Cause Heart Valve Disease?

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

  • Celexa®
  • Lexapro®
  • Paxil®
  • Prozac®
  • Symbyax®
  • Wellbutrin®
  • Zoloft®
  • Effexor®

What are the Signs & Symptoms of Heart Valve Disease?

The main sign of heart valve disease is a distinguishable heart murmur, which a doctor can detect with a stethoscope. Heart valve disease often worsens over time, and many people who have the defect often don’t display any symptoms until they’re middle-aged or older. Signs and symptoms include unusual fatigue, shortness of breath, and swelling in the ankles, feet, legs, abdomen, and veins in the neck.

Do I Have a Heart Valve Disease Lawsuit?

Our attorneys are currently accepting heart valve disease birth defects cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know took an antidepressant during pregnancy and your child was born with heart valve disease or other congenital birth defect, 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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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.

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