For over a decade, information has emerged about a link between certain antidepression drugs and birth defects. The drugs are called Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI) or Selective Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRI). It is believed that pregnant women who have taken certain SSRIs or SNRIs could have unknowingly put their child at risk for autism. Our legal team at the Harman Law Firm includes lawyers with extensive experience in this medical area and we are actively investigating this detrimental link between SSRIs and autism. If you need an SSRIs and autism lawyer, we welcome the chance to discuss your case.

What Are SSRIs and SNRIs?

Both SSRIs and SNRIs impact the neurotransmitters in the brain. SSRIs are designed to limit the serotonin transporter to minimize the reuptake of serotonin. These drugs are often used to treat depression and anxiety disorders. SNRIs block both the serotonin and norepinephrine transporters to affect reuptake. SNRIs are often prescribed for bipolar depression, ADHD, OCD, fibromyalgia and chronic nerve pain. Commonly prescribed SSRIs and SNRIs include:

• Celexa (Citalopram, Forest Laboratories)
• Lexapro (Escitalopram, Forest Laboratories)
• Prozac (Fluoxetine, Eli Lilly)
• Effexor (Venlafaxine, Pfizer)
• Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine, Pfizer)
• Zoloft (Sertraline, Pfizer)
• Other similar SSRIs and SNRIs

We are investigating a potential link between these drugs and autism. Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication. According to the Centers for Disease Control, autism affects an estimated 1 in 59 children in the United States today. There have been several studies linking a higher risk of ASD and birth defects in children born to women who took SSRIs or SNRIs during pregnancy. It is possible that the pharmaceutical companies that sold these drugs without warnings of possible risks of birth defects could be liable for damages. SSRIs and birth defects lawyers are currently pursuing lawsuits on behalf of children born with autism or birth defects due to their mother’s use of SSRIs or SNRIs during pregnancy.

Personal and Financial Costs of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Those with ASD can have a wide scope of symptoms that impact how their brain processes communication and social interactions. There are also physical symptoms, such as sleep disorders and gastrointestinal issues. Repetitive and restrictive behaviors are common characteristics for those with ASD.

Families with children born with ASD may need extensive medical and behavioral treatments to help their child manage this disorder. This can include medications, therapy, special classes and medical care throughout their life. These are tangible costs that can be a financial burden on the family. There is also the personal cost to the child, who may suffer communication, cognitive, physical and social interaction issues. The parents of children with ASD that may have been caused by the use of SSRIs or SNRIs during pregnancy should seek an SSRI and autism lawyer to discuss seeking compensation for damages.

Do You Need an Atlanta SSRIs and Birth Defects Lawyer?

If your child has autism or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and if you took antidepression drugs during your pregnancy, please contact an SSRIs and autism lawyer at the Harman Law Firm to discuss your options. We can discuss your claim and help you determine whether seeking a lawsuit against the company that manufactured the antidepressant drug you were prescribed is possible. You may be eligible to seek compensation for medical costs and other damages for you and your child. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation at our office in Atlanta.