Several antidepressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), have been linked to lawsuits over birth defects, with Zoloft (sertraline) being the most prominent example. Zoloft, manufactured by Pfizer, has faced numerous legal claims alleging that its use during pregnancy caused serious congenital abnormalities in children. Plaintiffs in these lawsuits argue that Pfizer failed to adequately warn patients and healthcare providers about the risks of birth defects associated with Zoloft, despite evidence from clinical studies indicating increased risks. One notable birth defect linked to Zoloft exposure in utero is coarctation of the aorta, a heart defect requiring lifelong medical monitoring. Lawsuits claim that children born with such defects endure significant physical and emotional suffering, and that the drug’s risks were downplayed or misrepresented by the manufacturer. Research has shown that pregnant women taking Zoloft or similar SSRIs after the 20th week of pregnancy have a significantly higher risk—up to six times greater—of having children with birth abnormalities.
Beyond Zoloft, other SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) have also been implicated in fetal harm. Medical panels and research have highlighted how fetal exposure to these antidepressants can alter brain development and increase the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, including psychiatric disorders later in life. Despite this, warnings and counseling for pregnant women have often been inadequate, with many patients reportedly told that these medications pose no risk to the fetus, a claim that experts have challenged as inaccurate.
While Zoloft is the most frequently litigated antidepressant in birth defect cases, the broader category of SSRIs and SNRIs is under scrutiny for their potential to cause developmental problems when taken during pregnancy. Legal actions have focused on pharmaceutical companies’ alleged failure to fully disclose these risks, leading to lawsuits that seek compensation for affected families.
In summary, the antidepressants most commonly linked to birth defect lawsuits are SSRIs like Zoloft (sertraline), with legal claims centered on congenital heart defects and other serious abnormalities. These cases underscore ongoing concerns about the safety of antidepressant use during pregnancy and the responsibility of drug manufacturers to provide clear, accurate information about potential risks to unborn children.
