The Risks of Antidepressants

There are many types of antidepressants to help treat depression. Some of the more popular SSRI-antidepressants include brands such as Paxil, Prozac, Luvox, Celexa, and Lexapro.

Many individuals who suffer from depression use these SSRI’s to successfully treat their symptoms so that they can continue to enjoy normal lives. As many patients experience different levels of severity when it comes to depression, doctors typically diagnose and prescribe antidepressants accordingly.

Unfortunately, there are several risks associated with antidepressants, even when used as directed. Over the last several years, many studies have shown that mothers who took SSRI-antidepressants such as Celexa, Prozac, and others during the first trimester had an increased risk of delivering a baby that has heart birth defects.

Heart birth defects can also occur naturally, but the risk for children born with heart defects becomes significantly greater when the mother has used antidepressants during her first trimester. According to most of the studies done by researchers, these cardiac defects are commonly ventricular or atrial septal defects. These particular defects involve a lack of full development in the wall that is located between the infant’s left and right sides of the heart.

If you’ve been prescribed and taken any kind of antidepressants during the first trimester, including SSRI’s, and your child has suffered a birth defect, contact Caputo and Mariotti today to find out more about your options.