Birth Defects Caused By Wellbutrin

by Steve Fields on November 14th, 2011

There are a number of birth defects caused by Wellbutrin that include heart problem, cranial defects, abdominal defects, PPHN, and club feet and hands. If your child was diagnosed with a heart condition or other birth defect, even months or years after birth, after being exposed to Wellbutrin or another antidepressant before birth, that medication may be at fault.

It is not uncommon for doctors to prescribe antidepressants to pregnant women. In many cases, the health of both the mother and the baby improves when the woman treats depression. Studies have shown that pregnant women who do not treat depression put their babies at higher risk for complications such as low birth weight and premature birth. Women who are depressed while pregnant may also be at risk for unhealthy behaviors such as drinking alcohol and using drugs.

For the 10% of pregnant women who are also depressed, doctors may recommend changes in diet, environment or lifestyle to help the patients cope. Additionally, they may prescribe medicines that may work quickly to help improve mood. Antidepressants like Wellbutrin, Prozac and Zoloft are some of the most widely used medications that work with the brain chemicals to help elevate mood. But numerous studies have shown that although these medicines can help when a person is depressed, these medicines can also cause significant harm when used by someone who is pregnant.

Wellbutrin Birth Defects
Wellbutrin, for example, is linked to a heart condition called left outflow defect. In a recent study, researchers found that babies whose mothers had used Wellbutrin during pregnancy were twice as likely to be born with this congenital heart problem. Wellbutrin and other antidepressants are linked to numerous other heart abnormalities, including transposition of the great arteries, double aortic arch, septal defects, and other valve and circulatory problems.

In addition, scientists say that Wellbutrin and other antidepressants are connected to other birth defects including anal atresia, omphaloceles, clubfoot and certain pulmonary conditions such as pulmonary atresia and Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN).

Birth defects caused by Wellbutrin are often detected at pre-natal checkups, at birth, or at early well baby checkups. Surprisingly, however, some birth defects initially present so few symptoms, they may not be noticeable until the child ages. The mildest degree of spina bifida, for example, may not exhibit symptoms until an older child or adult complains about back pain or foot drop. Cleft palate may not be noticeable until a child has repeated sinus infections. A heart abnormality may not be detectable until a murmur is detected.

If you used Wellbutrin or another antidepressant and your baby—or later, your child—is diagnosed with a birth defect, your medicine could be the cause. We encourage you to contact us with questions about your legal options. We are currently representing families who believe the pharmaceutical manufacturers should be held accountable for the damage their medicines have caused. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation and confidential consultation and for the latest Wellbutrin lawsuit news. We are currently representing families throughout the United States in individual cases and there is no national Wellbutrin lawsuits class action.