The New England Journal of Medicine reports that SSRI antidepressants are linked to an increased risk of persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN), which can be fatal, in newborns. In a sample of 377 mothers with infants affected by PPHN, 14 were associated with SSRI use in the third trimester.

A class action lawsuit is being organized, with lawyers now seeking victims to register their complaints.

Last December the FDA warned pregnant women that Paxil (an SSRI) can cause heart defects in newborns. SSRIs have been touted as safe for many years, but troubling data is now emerging.

Commonly prescribed SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) include Prozac, Lexapro, Celexa, Effexor, Paxil and more.

If you are pregnant and taking an SSRI, consult your doctor before possible discontinuation since a fivefold risk of relapse in depression in pregnant women who stopped taking antidepressants was recently reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

The PPHN study notes that neither the use of SSRIs before the 20th week of gestation nor the use of non-SSRI antidepressants (of which there are many) at any time during pregnancy was associated with an increased risk of PPHN.

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    Last reviewed: By John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on 18 Feb 2006
    Published on PsychCentral.com. All rights reserved.