The treatment of depression in pregnant women is hot-button medical topic that has been widely debated and its implications are controversial. When a woman is pregnant, she wants the best treatment for herself while also minimizing any potential risk to her developing child. For this reason the United States Food and Drug Administration has classified all drugs according to their safety for prescription during pregnancy. Unfortunately, many antidepressants in “Pregnancy Category C,” including Effexor, have been resulting in various birth defects and congenital heart defects, including Pulmonary Atresia. Many women do not believe that they were adequately warned and counseled regarding these potential risks and have responded by filing an Effexor Pulmonary Atresia Lawsuit against the makers and distributers of these medications.
Effexor Pulmonary Atresia
Pulmonary Atresia, or PA, is a very serious form of congenital heart defect that can result from taking an antidepressant while pregnant. Effexor, Paxil, Prozac, Lexapro, and Zoloft are all antidepressants that have been linked to pulmonary atresia. When a child is born with PA, its pulmonary valve fails to open; this means that blue (poor in oxygen) blood is prevented from flowing to the lungs to get properly oxygenated. This condition affects one in ten thousand infants, and most babies will exhibit symptoms shortly after birth. Because the heart develops shortly following conception, many environmental factors (including prescription medications taken by the mother) can result in heart defects, like Pulmonary Atresia.
Effexor Pulmonary Atresia Symptoms and Complications
When a child is born with Effexor Pulmonary Atresia, the symptoms will typically manifest quickly after birth. The most apparent indicator of PA, is when a newborn appears blue. This condition is called cyanosis and it is a physical exhibition of the lack of oxygen in the baby’s blood. Other PA symptoms include:
- Quickened Breathing
- Problems Breathing
- Fatigue
- Bad Temper
- Cold or Clammy Feeling Skin
Once Effexor PA has been diagnosed, the treatment plan will be largely dependent upon the severity of the defect. In many cases, the baby will immediately be admitted to an Intensive Care Unit and put on Oxygen, possibly a ventilator in order to aide in breathing. Sometimes IVs are given to help with lung and heart function. After initial stabilization, surgery will be necessary to provide a more long-lasting solution. Following surgery, lifelong monitoring and follow-up care with a cardiologist will also be imperative. Because pulmonary atresia requires treatment throughout the remainder of an individual’s life, it can be a very expensive congenital heart defect. An Effexor PA lawsuit can potentially help to lessen some of these financial burdens.
Talk to an Effexor Attorney: File a Pulmonary Atresia Lawsuit
The diagnosis of any birth defect can be very distressing to a new parent, especially when linked to a prescription drug. An Effexor Pulmonary Atresia Lawsuit is one way that many families afflicted by this condition are able to find some financial relief. If your child was born with a birth defect following prenatal exposure to an antidepressant, call the Willis Law Firm today. When you call, we will provide you with a free and confidential case review and help guide you as you decide whether an Effexor Lawsuit is the appropriate course of action. Call us today; help us hold the makers of these drugs responsible for the harm that their products cause.