The SSRI Antidepressant Lexapro & Congenital Birth Defects

Published October 10, 2012 by LawsuitInformation.org

The SSRI Antidepressant Lexapro & Congenital Birth DefectsLexapro is an anti –depressant drug also called as serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRI’s which was earlier approved by FDA in 2002. It is manufactured by Forest Laboratories and is consumed by millions of people who suffer with problems like anxiety and depression. It is prescribed to pregnant women also to ease the anxiety related to pregnancy.

According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, more than 80,000 women are prescribed Lexapro in any year. FDA has now issued a strict warning against the use of this particular drug because of the potential risk associated with it. Many people have filed a Lexapro lawsuit against the company to receive compensation and fight for their sufferings.

Side Effects of Lexapro

Lexapro birth defects risks increase if taken during pregnancy such as PPHN (persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn) which is a form of hypertension that causes hypoexmia. Unborn babies are six times more likely to develop PPHN if exposed to such drugs.

Lexapro is responsible for Atrial Septal Defects and Ventricular Septal Defects. The drug can cause neural tube defects and cognitive impairments. This drug can lead to Macrocephaly which is enlargement of head and Gastroschisis that is genetic hernia.

It can also cause cleft lip or cleft palate but both of these are corrective procedures which are possible through surgery. Lexapro, if taken during pregnancy can produce abdominal birth defects, cranial birth defects, Spina Bifida and limb defects.

Side effects of Lexapro are also seen in teenagers and children. Adults between the age of 18-24years develop a suicidal tendency. Even children become more depressed after ingesting this drug. Lexapro is also associated with autism. Children suffer with problems of communicating verbally or non-verbally.

They do not socialize and have a repetitive behavior pattern. Various tests are carried to diagnose the problems relating to drug effects such as X-Rays of the chest, Ultrasounds for cardiac imaging and cerebral imaging, complete blood count and arterial blood gas.

Lexapro Lawsuit

The objective behind filing a Lexapro lawsuit is to seek compensation for the medical bills, suffering, pain and damages. The spurious practice of the pharmaceutical companies exposespeople to the side effects of such hazardous drugs. Filing a suit against the company can protect people and fetch them their rights to receive the compensation as well as carry forward the treatment. Compensation is helpful to carry the corrective surgeries or preparing for a future medical expense.

Filing A Lexapro Lawsuit

A Lexapro lawyer is experienced in defective drug litigation. They can easily acquire information relating to the medical history, records, insurance information and testimony of medical experts. The victim and the family can concentrate on the treatment of the medical problem and the legal matter is easily managed by the proficient attorneys. By filing a Lexapro lawsuit, victims can ensure that their case is carried in an effective way. Lawsuits are assessed on the individual basis and damages are compensated as per the judgement.