SSRI Lexapro Shown to Cause Serious Birth Defects in Texas Infants

Popular antidepressant Lexapro has been linked to birth defects including heart defects, neural tube defects, and limb defects.

Lexapro is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that increases serotonin in the brain to relieve depression. Approved by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) in 2002 to treat major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, Lexapro is now one of the most commonly prescribed antidepressants.

Birth Defects Can Be Fatal
Studies have shown that women who take Lexapro during pregnancy have a higher risk of their infants developing birth defects while in the womb.

A study released by the New England Journal of Medicine found that as many as 12 out of 1,000 infants whose mothers took Lexapro while pregnant were born with persistent pulmonary hypertension, a potentially fatal birth defect that affects the concentration of oxygen in the body. In contrast, women taking other non-SSRI antidepressants during pregnancy had only one to two infants out of 1,000 born with the birth defect.

Other infants whose mothers took Lexapro while pregnant were born with defects like cleft palate, cleft lip, and other neural tube birth defects. Another study found that these infants were twice as likely to develop birth defects like craniosynostosis, omphalocele, anencephaly, and septal defects, all of which are discussed below.

Craniosynostosis: birth defect in which the skull stops growing before the brain has completely grown. This puts an increased pressure on the skull and can inhibit developmental growth of the brain.
Omphalocele: birth defect in which the intestines or other organs located in the abdomen of the infant stick out of the belly button. This often occurs with other birth defects.
Anencephaly: a type of neural tube birth defect in which the infant is born lacking a large part of its brain and skull. This is a fatal birth defect, often taking the infant’s life within days of being born.
Atrial septal defect: a heart defect in which the wall separating the upper chambers of the heart fails to close. This defect may not have symptoms until later in life, but can cause atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and stroke among others.
Ventricular septal defect: a heart defect in which one or more holes forms in the heart wall separating the right and left ventricles. If the hole is large enough, the infant will exhibit symptoms of heart failure.

Lexapro & Other SSRI Lawsuits
Women who took Lexapro or another SSRI while pregnant and whose babies were born with birth defects may have a claim against the drug makers. If you or a loved one suffered a birth defect that you think may be caused by Lexapro or another SSRI, contact dangerous drug attorney Kay Van Wey today toll free at (800) 489-5082.

Don't hesitate to contact Kay Van Wey at (800)489-5082 for a free, no obligation consultation.

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