Lexapro Birth Defects
Side-Effects
Was your baby born with heart defects after you were prescribed the antidepressant drug Lexapro (generic name escitalopram oxalate)? If so, you should know that Lexapro is a type of drug known as a SSRI antidepressant medication that has been the subject of warnings by the FDA regarding dangers to babies when used by their pregnant mothers. SSRI stands for Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor.
These heart defects may include atrial septal defects, ventricular septal defects, tetralogy of fallot, hypoplastic left heart syndrome, transposition of the great arteries (TGA or TOGA), patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), total anomalous pulmonary venous return (TAPVR), double outlet right ventricle (DORV), and coarctation of the aorta (CoA).
Some SSRIs have also been linked to the birth defect craniosynostosis and with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
What is Lexapro?
Lexapro (escitalopram oxalate) is manufactured by Forest Pharmaceuticals as an antidepressant drug.
What does Lexapro treat?
Lexapro (escitalopram) is used to treat Major Depressive Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder.
Major Depressive Disorder is generally a depressed mood that usually lasts for at least two weeks that interferes with daily functioning. It can involve depressed mood, loss of interest in usual activities, significant change in weight and/or appetite, insomnia or hypersomnia, psychomotor agitation or retardation, increased fatigue, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, slowed thinking or impaired concentration, suicide attempt or suicidal ideation.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder is persistent excessive anxiety and worry for at least six months and is difficult for the person to control. It can include restlessness, edginess, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension and sleep disturbance.
What are side-effects of Lexapro?
In addition to the risk of suicide, there are great concerns regarding a possible link between the use of Lexapro and other SSRI drugs and heart defects in their babies.
If your baby was born with a heart defect after you took Lexapro while pregnant, contact Michael P. Fleming, former elected county attorney and board certified in personal injury trial law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization today to discuss your options.
In addition to being board certified as a specialist in Personal Injury Trial Law and well-known as the former Harris County Attorney, Michael P. Fleming has been recognized as a Texas Super Lawyer for many years. His Houston law firm is AV rated by Martindale - Hubbell (the highest rating) and has been featured in H-Texas Magazine's Top Attorneys in Houston issue which features the best Houston lawyers and law firms. He is also one of the small percentage of attorneys in the entire country to have had the privilege of arguing and winning a case before the Supreme Court of the United States. Mr. Fleming is also licensed as a Solicitor by the Law Society of Ireland and can assist with any personal injury or business matters in Ireland through his affiliated Solicitor firm in Dublin, Ireland.
If you have a serious personal injury, wrongful death or litigation matter in Houston, Austin or anywhere else in Texas, contact an attorney with the qualifications, experience and reputation you can trust. Michael P. Fleming is a personal injury lawyer with the qualifications and experience you deserve.
Contact a Lexapro birth defects lawyer today.
Cases accepted nationwide: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
