Celexa, Lexapro, Wellbutrin and Zoloft Use During Pregnancy Linked to Birth Defects, Says CDC-Funded Report

Birth defects can have severe and lasting impacts on a person’s life, causing chronic illnesses and disabilities that necessitat e medical interventions.  Only a small percentage of infants are born with birth defects, but scientific evidence shows that many prescription medicines increase the risk and severity of potential birth defects.  Antidepressants and proton pump inhibitors are among the types of drugs that increase the risk of a birth defect.  If a child in your family was born with birth defects after the mother took a prescription drug during pregnancy, you may wish to consult with a family safety attorney.  A family safety attorney that will provide a no-obligation consultation for free.  Drugs that have been found to increase the risk of birth defects are listed here, with links to more detailed information.

Celexa Birth Defects

Celexa (citalopram), from Forest Laboratories, Inc., is a medication used to treat depression. Celexa has found to increase the risk of significant birth defects, including anencephaly, craniosynostosis, omphalocele, club foot, spina bifida and cardiac birth defects.

Lexapro Birth Defects

Lexapro (escitalopram), sold by Forest Laboratories, is another popular antidepressant. It is now widely accepted that Lexapro can cause many different birth defects, like anencephaly, craniosynostosis, omphalocele, club foot, spina bifida and cardiac birth defects.

Wellbutrin Birth Defects

Wellbutrin (bupropion hydrochloride), marketed by GlaxoSmithKline is primarily prescribed as an anti-depressant.  The same formula is also sold as Zyban and prescribed to help people quit smoking. Studies have found that taking Wellbutrin during pregnancy raises the risk of severe birth defects including anencephaly, craniosynostosis, omphalocele, club foot, spina bifida and cardiac birth defects.

Zoloft Birth Defects

Zoloft (sertraline hydrochloride), sold by Phizer, is a popular antidepressant. Zoloft raises the risk of a wide variety of serious birth defects such as anencephaly, craniosynostosis, omphalocele, club foot, spina bifida and cardiac birth defects.