Lexapro Spina Bifida Lawsuit

January 11, 2012

Recent medical research performed by the New England Journal of Medicine suggests the existence of a link between maternal ingestion of SSRI antidepressant medicine, including Lexapro, during all or part of pregnancy and the occurrence of a variety of birth defects, including neural tube defects (Spina Bifida). The study estimates that the use of Lexapro or other antidepressants may double the risk of birth defects like spina bifida.

What are Neural Tube Defects?

Neural tube defects (NTDs), aka Spina Bifida, are a comparatively ordinary birth deficiency, happening in roughly one in 1,000 infant births in the United States. A neural tube defect is an aperture in the spinal cord or part of the brain that is created near the beginning of fetal development. Early on, the spinal cord of the fetus starts out as a smooth plane, which forms into a tubular shape (the neural tube) 28 days past conception. In the event that this neural tube fails to close completely, a neural tube defect arises. Neural tube defects (NTDs) can come into being prior to a mother even being aware that she is with child.

Lexapro Spina Bifida

Spina bifida occulta (SBO) is a specific manifestation of neural tube defect characterized by a generally symptomless bony change in one or more pieces of the spine, but it not include the nerves within the spinal column. The frequency rate of spina bifida occulta is not clearly established; however, it is more widespread than many other neural tube defects. Through medical studies, a risk of being born with neural tube defects, including Spina Bifida, are believed to be linked to the maternal use of several prescription antidepressants, including Lexapro.

Lexapro Spina Bifida Lawsuit

When an infant is born with Spina Bifida or other Neural Tube Defect, many questions will arise. Did this condition develop during pregnancy, and more importantly WHY? Clinical research studies suggest that the subsequent antidepressants (SSRI’s) including Lexapro can potentially be linked to the incidence of Spina Bifida in unborn babies, infants, and children when taken by the mother during pregnancy:

Lexapro (escitalopram)
Zoloft (sertraline)
Prozac (fluoxetine)
Celexa (citalopram)
Effexor (venlafaxine)
Paxil (paroxetine)

The Willis Law firm is currently processing individual Lexapro Neurel Tube Defect Lawsuits (and other congenital birth defect lawsuits) against drug manufacturers, and currently accepting new Zoloft, Prozac, Paxil, Celexa and Lexapro lawsuits nationwide. The mothers of children born with these harrowing disorders and difficulties may be entitled to legal recourse and compensation through pursuing litigation against the distributers. Many women believe that they were not adequately warned of these extreme side effects and birth defects prior to taking these drugs during pregnancy.

Lexapro Spina Bifida Lawsuit: Speak to an Attorney

If your baby came into life with significant birth defects and his/her mother was been prescribed Lexapro or other prescription SSRI medications at any point in the duration of her pregnancy, then call the Willis Law Firm today. When you call, we will conduct a Free & Confidential Lexapro Lawsuit Evaluation. You and your child may have an entitlement to monetary recompense for their birth injuries. By calling the Willis Law Firm, you can speak with a Top Peer Review Rated Board Certified Personal Injury Lawyer licensed to practice in both Texas and New York. All Lexapro Neural Tube Defect cases are handled on a “contingency fee” basis, so no fees will be incurred unless a successful recovery is secured.