The Pfizer-manufactured antidepressant, Zoloft had a lot of complaints because of it is connection with the development of birth defects. Reports state that some of the women who took Zoloft at the time of pregnancy gave birth to infants with heart deformities such as Coarctation of the aorta and ventricular septal defect among others. Craniosynostosis, a deformity involving the skull, is also connected with the use of Zoloft upon pregnancy. Aside from that, neonates also had serious symptoms including seizures, tremors, irritability, constant crying and decreased oxygen in the bloodstream. Apart from birth defects, it was also asked whether Zoloft increases suicidal thoughts in patients with major depression. A number of other complaints and lawsuits were raised against this medication but the majority is related to birth defects.

How Zoloft Works

Zoloft is a medication primarily prescribed for patients suffering from major depression. This is under the Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) drug class and it acts by blocking the reuptake of serotonin in the brain to maintain a balance. The neurotransmitter serotonin is “excitatory” in nature and plays a role in building our mood. Low levels of serotonin can cause signs of depression whereas high levels can manifest signs and symptoms of mania or hyperactivity. Zoloft is also prescribed in other cases such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Panic Disorders, Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and other disorders related to mood.

How Zoloft Affects the Growing Fetus

As mentioned earlier, lawsuits were filed because of reported Zoloft birth defects. Inquiries on Zoloft indicated that it has an effect on the fetus when taken even after the first trimester where organogenesis is done. This results into several heart complications. Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) and Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) are the two most common heart defects associated with Zoloft use. These are rather serious conditions when left untreated. The lung condition Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension (PPHN), although rare, can also happen. It is characterized by constricted arteries to the lungs which is the reason why the infant’s lungs cannot fully adapt to the life outside of the utero. The amount of blood that will be carried into the lungs will be minimal due to the limitation which will result to limited oxygen into the bloodstream. These Zoloft birth defects are serious that is why a lot of affected individuals filed lawsuits.