Zoloft Birth Defects
Among the many antidepressants from the group of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), Zoloft is probably the most widely prescribed. To ensure its effectiveness and prevent hazards, strict adherence to the regimen needs to be followed. Furthermore, this drug is greatly influenced by other substance, for example, drinking Zoloft and alcohol may cause a wide range of health problems.
The success of this drug, however, might be put to a stall as recent reports that Zoloft may cause several birth defects are piling up. On a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, it was found out that the risk of having a baby born with congenital heart defect is 2 times higher in women taking Zoloft in their first trimester of pregnancy. Although, we may only be looking at one small angle.
Currently, medical professionals are trying to find the connection between Zoloft and these side effects:
- Clubbed foot
- Cleft lip or palate
- Delayed development
- Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn
- Heart defects
- Brain/spinal cord defects
A club foot is the downward and inward turning of one or both feet. It is probably the most common birth defect involving the legs whose condition might be mild or severe. The treatment of this deformity may consist of casting, bracing and actually manipulating of the affected foot.
Cleft lip or palate refers to the non-fusion or the opening of the upper lip or the roof of the mouth (palate). This malformation can be corrected with a surgery which may be conducted as early as 3 months after birth.
Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN) is a rare but life-threatening case where there is high blood pressure in the lungs, so blood in the pulmonary artery is sent away from the lungs to the other organs through a fetal blood vessel. Care of the newborn with PPHN must be meticulous involving a continuous monitoring of oxygenation, blood pressure and perfusion. The patient may be given with dopamine and dobutamine as well as surfactants which helps ease vascular resistance.
There are several heart defects whose effects may be slight or critical. This may cripple the heart from working properly emanating developmental problems to the child or even worse – death. Oftentimes, surgery is needed to correct the problem but some minor defects heal by themselves.
Brain and spinal cord defects refer to several abnormalities that occurred in the neural tube, precursor of the brain and the spinal cord, resulting from failure of the tube to close. Although surgery may correct its physical appearance, its damage to the nervous system may not be treated which may result in a lifelong physical and emotional hardship.
Birth defects are serious matters thus if you found out that you are pregnant or you are planning to have a child, inform your doctor before starting your Zoloft therapy. This may be something that your child will bear throughout his life.
The success of this drug, however, might be put to a stall as recent reports that Zoloft may cause several birth defects are piling up. On a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, it was found out that the risk of having a baby born with congenital heart defect is 2 times higher in women taking Zoloft in their first trimester of pregnancy. Although, we may only be looking at one small angle.
Currently, medical professionals are trying to find the connection between Zoloft and these side effects:
- Clubbed foot
- Cleft lip or palate
- Delayed development
- Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn
- Heart defects
- Brain/spinal cord defects
A club foot is the downward and inward turning of one or both feet. It is probably the most common birth defect involving the legs whose condition might be mild or severe. The treatment of this deformity may consist of casting, bracing and actually manipulating of the affected foot.
Cleft lip or palate refers to the non-fusion or the opening of the upper lip or the roof of the mouth (palate). This malformation can be corrected with a surgery which may be conducted as early as 3 months after birth.
Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN) is a rare but life-threatening case where there is high blood pressure in the lungs, so blood in the pulmonary artery is sent away from the lungs to the other organs through a fetal blood vessel. Care of the newborn with PPHN must be meticulous involving a continuous monitoring of oxygenation, blood pressure and perfusion. The patient may be given with dopamine and dobutamine as well as surfactants which helps ease vascular resistance.
There are several heart defects whose effects may be slight or critical. This may cripple the heart from working properly emanating developmental problems to the child or even worse – death. Oftentimes, surgery is needed to correct the problem but some minor defects heal by themselves.
Brain and spinal cord defects refer to several abnormalities that occurred in the neural tube, precursor of the brain and the spinal cord, resulting from failure of the tube to close. Although surgery may correct its physical appearance, its damage to the nervous system may not be treated which may result in a lifelong physical and emotional hardship.
Birth defects are serious matters thus if you found out that you are pregnant or you are planning to have a child, inform your doctor before starting your Zoloft therapy. This may be something that your child will bear throughout his life.
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