The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is actively handling mitral valve prolapse lawsuits in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know took an antidepressant while pregnant and your child has mitral valve prolapse, 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 Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP)?
MVP is a serious congenital heart birth defect in which one of the artery’s valves, the mitral valve, doesn’t work properly. The flaps of the valve don’t close tightly, thus allowing blood to leak backward from the ventricle to the atrium. The backflow of blood is called regurgitation. When backflow occurs, it may cause shortness of breath, palpitations (strong or rapid heartbeats), chest pain, and other symptoms.
What Causes MVP?
The following antidepressants have been linked to the development of mitral valve prolapse 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)
Mitral Valve Prolapse Symptoms
Individuals who have mitral valve prolapse commonly complain of symptoms such as fatigue, palpitations, chest pain, anxiety, and migraine headaches. These symptoms are believed to be related to imbalances of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). In rare cases, strokes have also been reported as a complication of mitral valve prolapse. Stroke victims appear to have increased blood clotting tendencies due to abnormally sticky blood clotting elements, called platelets.
Do I Have a Mitral Valve Prolapse Lawsuit?
Our attorneys are currently accepting mitral valve prolapse cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know took an antidepressant during pregnancy and your child was born with MVP, 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.