Wellbutrin Lawsuits Class Action
Millions of Americans suffer from depression and while this mental health disease is treatable, patients should be cautious of the side effects some of the treatments can cause. There is currently no national Wellbutrin lawsuits class action claim and families are pursuing individual Wellbutrin birth defects lawsuit cases.
About Depression
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 14.8 million adults are depressed, and even more may suffer from depression, but not be diagnosed. In the past, some people thought that feeling depressed was a sign of weakness, but now it is recognized as an illness that often has chemical roots.
When a person has a major depression, he or she may feel sad, hopeless, helpless, and unable to continue with daily functions, or enjoy activities that once brought happiness.
Treatment for Depression
When a patient is diagnosed with depression, the doctor may recommend changes in environment or nutrition or exercise habits. The doctor may also prescribe Wellbutrin or another antidepressant. These medicines work with the brain chemicals to restore the imbalance of chemicals that scientists believe affect depression.
But for some people, particularly pregnant women, the antidepressants themselves can cause additional concerns.
Depression and Pregnancy
Nearly 10% of pregnant women suffer from depression. They may be depressed before becoming pregnant. With the increase in pregnancy hormones, some women first experience depression while pregnant. For years, doctors have prescribed antidepressants like Wellbutrin, Prozac, Zoloft, Celexa and others to help pregnant women maintain their equilibrium.
Studies have shown that when pregnant women are depressed and do not get treatment, it affects the health of their babies. Babies born to depressed women are more likely to be born prematurely and to be born at a lower birth weight. Pregnant women with untreated depression may also be less likely to ensure the baby’s health with proper nutrition. What’s more, they may use other coping skills such as smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol and using drugs to mask those feelings of depression.
While this information proves it is important to treat depression among pregnant women, studies have also shown the danger that Wellbutrin and other antidepressants can pose to the unborn baby.
One study, published by the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, linked the use of Wellbutrin to a birth condition called left outflow tract heart defect. Researchers found that babies born in the U.S. between 1997-2004 to mothers who used Wellbutrin (generic name Bupropion) were two times as likely to have a baby born with this defect, which affects the left side of the heart.
If your child was born with a birth defect after being exposed to Wellbutrin before or during pregnancy, we encourage you to contact us. We are investigating individual Wellbutrin lawsuits on behalf of families who believe the manufacturer should be held responsible for the damage done by their products. Although nothing can immediately restore health, you can fight for the compensation your family deserves. Call us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and your options. There is currently no Wellbutrin lawsuits class action in the United States that covers all families affected by birth defects caused by this drug.
Making A Difference
We believe that the manufacturer of Wellbutrin should be held accountable for any harm they are legally responsible for and people should be fairly compensated for their damages due to birth defects caused by Wellbutrin. Many families and their child have had their life changed in a number of ways due to Wellbutrin birth defects pregnancy side effects including... find out more
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Wellbutrin Pregnancy Birth Defects Lawsuits
Wellbutrin birth defects pregnancy lawsuits continue to be filed by families affected by Wellbutrin birth defects. Wellbutrin (bupropion) is a type of antidepressant that targets certain chemicals to balance them in the brain. It falls under the general category of an antidepressant and works by increasing certain types of activity in the brain ... find out more