Gastrointestinal Bleeding, Stroke Among Zoloft Side Effects

A new study has linked an increased risk of both gastrointestinal bleeding and stroke to the popular SSRI drug Zoloft. The study, which was published in the British Medical Journal, has pointed out several new side effects of the drug, which has already become controversial because of its link to birth defects and other serious complications. The list of side effects after taking Zoloft continues to grow, and many patients who have been affected by them have chosen to file suit against drug maker Pfizer in the hopes of gaining compensation for their injuries.

Study finds more side effects in women

The study, conducted by researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital, looked at data from about 36,000 patients who had been diagnosed with depression and were taking an SSRI medication, such as Zoloft. These medications are prescribed to hundreds of millions of patients in the United States alone, and are among the most commonly used prescription medications in the country. Because of the large number of patients using the drug, the potential for very serious side effects is, of course, concerning.

The results of the study showed that those patients taking SSRI drugs were more likely to suffer from gastrointestinal bleeding and strokes than other patients. In addition, evidence of more serious Zoloft-related side effects in women was provided by another study, which reported that older women taking antidepressants like this one may have a slightly higher risk of stroke and death.

Although there is a serious risk of birth defects associated with Zoloft, there seems to be minimal risk of Zoloft side effects associated with breastfeeding. Still, mothers concerned about breastfeeding their children while on Zoloft may want to adjust feeding schedules to coordinate with times when Zoloft concentration will be lowest.

Patients may file suit

Many parents of children born with serious side effects have chosen to file Zoloft lawsuits in the hopes of gaining compensation for costs incurred during hospital stays and other injury-related costs. These patients should contact a personal injury lawyer if they have any questions about Zoloft-related litigation.

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