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Serious and potentially life-threatening side effects have been reported in some patients prescribed the Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant, Zoloft® – which is a trade-name of Sertraline, and which was introduced by Pfizer in 1991. The Serious Side Effects Of Zoloft® - Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN)
- Birth Defects
- Serotonin Syndrome
Zoloft® Side Effects In July 2006, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a statement that raised serious concerns about the use of SSRI antidepressant medicines by mothers whose babies were born with Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN). Babies diagnosed with potentially-life-threatening PPHN have abnormal blood-flow through their hearts and lungs and, as a consequence, cannot get the required quantities of oxygen into their bodies. The FDA added that babies born to mothers who took SSRI’s 20-weeks or later during the course of their pregnancies had a greater chance of developing PPHN than babies born to mothers who were not taking SSRI’s while pregnant. According to the FDA Women who are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant should not stop any antidepressant without first consulting their physician. The decision to continue medication or not should be made only after there has been careful consideration of the potential benefits and risks of the medication for each individual pregnant patient. If the decision is made to stop treatment with SSRIs before or during pregnancy, this should be done with a healthcare professional, according to the prescribing information for the drug, and patients should be observed closely in case their depression comes back. The FDA is seeking additional information about the possible risk of PPHN in newborn babies of mothers who took SSRI antidepressants in pregnancy. In the meantime, the FDA has asked the sponsors of all SSRIs to change prescribing information to describe the potential risk for PPHN. Furthermore, the FDA also announced in July 2006 that Serotonin Syndrome (a serious and potentially-life-threatening condition concerned with the way in which the brain, muscles and digestive-system respond to elevated levels of serotonin) can develop when Zoloft® is used in conjunction with medications known as 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor agonists - which are designed to treat migraines. The signs and symptoms of Serotonin Syndrome may include any of the following: - Coma
- Hallucinations
- Loss of coordination
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Raised body temperature
- Potentially serious changes in blood pressure
How DrugRxRecall Can Help You With Your Zoloft® Side Effects Claim If you or a loved one has suffered from any of the above side-effects after taking Zoloft® you may have a claim for compensation. Here at DrugRxRecall, we work closely with highly respected Zoloft® lawyers. We will be pleased to refer you to a legal professional in your area who can offer you a free consultation and advice on Zoloft® class action and lawsuits.
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