Zoloft Side Effects Include PPHN

Persistent pulmonary hypertension in the newborn (PPHN) is one of the Zoloft side effects that occurs when the mother takes the drug during pregnancy. Poor circulation in an infant preventing blood from making its way through the lungs is known as PPHN. When this occurs, it leads to an increase in blood pressure which forces the right side of the infant’s heart to work harder than normal. Symptoms of PPHN include heart murmur, respiratory distress that can be characterized by the baby grunting or exhibiting flared nostrils, rapid breathing, and a bluish tint on the baby’s skin.

The medical professionals attending the baby may restore oxygen levels with nitric oxide or by using mechanical respiration.

Zoloft side effects can cause multiple problems, including death

Other issues from Zoloft PPHN include low blood oxygen levels, as well as respiratory and circulatory problems. When not treated immediately, oxygen supplies may remain low resulting in kidney failure, tissue damage, organ damage, and possibly death. There could be long-term problems for the child such as a permanent hardening of the lungs, known as bronchopulmonary dysplasia. This can cause neurological and developmental delays, problems hearing, and seizures.

Zoloft was introduced in 1991 and is a commonly prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that is used to treat anxiety and depression. However, studies have shown that when taken by women who are pregnant, the medication can cause heart defects in the infant such as PPHN.

Studies show the risks of PPHN when taken by pregnant women

A 2006 article published in the New England Journal of Medicine stated that the risk of PPHN is six times more likely in women taking SSRIs during their 20^th week of pregnancy than those who are not taking SSRIs.

Another study was published by the journal in 2007 saying that women taking Zoloft in their first trimester were twice as likely to have a child with a heart defect.

This condition is serious and irreversible. People who have taken Zoloft and had a child born with PPHN accrue high medical expenses. Many have contacted a Zoloft lawyer to file a lawsuit against Pfizer, the manufacturer of the Zoloft.

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