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Zoloft Side Effects Cause Serious Heart Problems With Newborns

Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn from Zoloft (also known as PPHN) occurs when the arteries in infant lungs do not properly close, creating very high blood pressure. As a result of these Zoloft side effects, the right side of the heart is forced to compensate by working harder than it should. In effect, this diverts blood flow from the lungs and causes circulatory disorders, low blood-oxygen levels, and various respiratory problems. In 2006, the Food and Drug Administration issued a public safety alert for Zoloft PPHN and warned that there is no cure for this potentially fatal condition.

Zoloft linked to numerous health problems for newborns

In addition to PPHN, taking Zoloft during pregnancy is also linked to atrial septal defects (ASD) and ventrical septal defects (VSD). Both conditions are sometimes called “holes in the heart,” but are more effectively described as small openings between two chambers.

In children with ASD, these “holes” appear between the atria, or the two upper chambers of the heart, while VSD involved the two lower chambers. The precise location and the size of the hole are the most important factors in determining the severity of the defect. Babies born with either ASD or VSD may be required to undergo open-heart surgery to repair the holes, especially in cases where the defect causes enlargement of the heart

For the unfortunate families of afflicted children, the families have filed a Zoloft lawsuit to receive compensation for the devastation of the diagnosis. A lawsuit can help pay for the cost of surgeries, treatment options, ongoing medical care, and the lifestyle changes required to properly care for a newborn with birth defects.

An advisory issued by the FDA

In 2005, the FDA issued a public health advisory to warn the public that certain selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) medications taken during the first three months of pregnancy could increase the risk of heart defects in newborns. Zoloft was one of the antidepressants included in this warning, as evidenced by many families allegedly affected by Zoloft heart defects. The three main ailments, as named in Zoloft birth defects lawsuit complaints, are persistent PPHN, ASD and VSD.

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