Celexa

Celexa, a brand of antidepressant medication also known as Citalopram, was approved by the FDA in 1998. Classified as an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor), it is used to treat depression and anxiety-related disorders. Thousands of patients have been prescribed Celexa since its introduction. However, recent studies suggest that serious side effects may result from Celexa, particularly when taken by pregnant women.

Celexa May Cause Birth Defects

In recent years, Celexa has been linked to a number of significant side effects, particularly congenital birth defects caused when Celexa is taken by pregnant women. The birth effects that have been linked to Celexa include:

• Congenital heart defects, particularly atrial septal defects (ASD) or ventricular septal defects (VSD), also known as a ‘hole in the heart’ or ‘hole in the heart wall,’ along with other congenital heart defects
• Cleft lip or cleft palate
• Club foot
• Cranial birth defects, such as an abnormally shaped head (Caused by Craniosynostosis, or early closure of the sutures separating the skull bones)
• Omphalocele (An abdominal wall birth defect in which the intestine protrudes through the belly button)

Among the most serious celexa side effects while pregnant is persistent pulmonary hypertension in newborns, or PPHN. This lung condition is usually noticeable soon after birth, and interferes with the baby’s ability to breathe. A life-threatening condition, it often requires immediate surgery, and can have lifelong health effects. According to one study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, women who take SSRIs such as Celexa are six times more likely to give birth to a baby with PPHN. In 2006, the FDA issued a safety alert regarding this risk.

While the exact risk of Celexa birth defects is currently undetermined, serious complications have been reported in babies whose mothers took SSRI antidepressant medications while pregnant.

Filing a Lawsuit

Unfortunately, many women have taken Celexa, not knowing of these potential effects, and given birth to a child with some of these congenital health issues. The negative side effects of this drug can have substantial emotional and financial impacts.

If your family has been negatively affected by Celexa, you may wish to file a lawsuit against the drug manufacturer. You are not alone in this decision; many of those impacted by Celexa birth defects have pursued the drug manufacturer, Forest Laboratories, for compensation. Filing a suit is your chance to receive compensation for ongoing medical expenses and the other financial impacts of the side effects caused by Celexa.

It is also your chance to hold the drug manufacturer responsible for the harm caused by their medication. It is important to remember that your child’s birth defects are not your fault; they were caused by a defective and dangerous drug. Drug manufacturers are responsible for warning doctors and patients of the known risks of their medications. When the drug company fails to warn consumers of the severe side effects associated with their product, they must be held accountable.

Contact a Lawyer

Are you considering filing a Celexa lawsuit? If so, you need a lawyer on your side with experience filing cases related to dangerous or unsafe drugs. Expect that the drug company will have access to a team of legal professionals and expert witnesses. For the best chance of receiving fair compensation, it is a good idea to level the playing field by hiring a lawyer to represent your best interests. A skilled attorney will fight on your behalf, guiding you through the process of filing a lawsuit against the drug manufacturer. Contact a Celexa lawyer today to determine whether filing a Celexa lawsuit is in your family’s best interests.