One of the most common types of medications used in the mental health profession is the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). In the past, this drug was considered to be safe to take during pregnancy. However, research in 2006 revealed that this medication can cause a variety of birth defects. If you are prescribed this medication while you are pregnant and you are not warned of the potential risks, you may be entitled to compensation.
The Problem with SSRIs
SSRIs are most often prescribed when a patient is suffering from major depression. The medication is also prescribed sometimes to treat obsessive-compulsive disorders or premenstrual dysphoric disorders. However, this list is not exhaustive.
In the past, SSRIs were classified as category C drugs by the FDA. This means that an expecting mother should use caution but that the benefits may outweigh the risks. However, the FDA has classified at least one SSRI as a category D. With a category D drug, the fetus might be injured through its use and the drug should only be used under special circumstances. If the FDA later classifies one or more SSRIs as category X drugs, the risks would be considered to completely outweigh the benefits.
The SSRIs are hazardous to a fetus because they can cross the placenta barrier. Also, you can transfer these drugs to the newborn baby through breastfeeding. In both cases, the metabolites can cross the blood-brain barrier and can cause medical problems. The type of birth defects associated with this are:
When your child is suffering from birth defects, you may need to pay expensive medical bills. Your child might need a lifetime of medical treatments. You will also be suffering from grief as you watch our child suffer.
The Criteria for an SSRI Settlement
To receive compensation for a birth defect caused by an SSRI, you must first demonstrate that you were prescribed an SSRI while the doctor knew that you were pregnant. Then, you'll need to demonstrate that your child suffered from a birth defect and that this was the result of the SSRI prescription.
Finally, you will need to show that you suffered damages as a result. Then, the medical professional may be required to compensate you for any damages you have suffered. Proving many of these aspects of your lawsuit can be difficult without the help of a birth defect attorney.
Share17 November 2020
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