Lexapro is an antidepressant medication prescribed to treat major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and other psychological conditions. It belongs to the serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class of medications designed to block the reabsorption of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain to relieve depressive symptoms in patients.
In recent years, Lexapro has been linked to serious side effects that can endanger lives beyond the patient. In Dec. 2011, the FDA showed a link between Lexapro and birth defects in children. Taking Lexapro during a pregnancy could result in serious birth defects such as:
- Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension—The circulatory system of the child doesn’t fully develop, resulting in difficulty breathing and poor physical development.
- Heart Defects—From holes in the upper chambers to gaps between heart ventricles, these heart defects can increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome or lead to serious heart conditions later in life.
If your doctor prescribed you Lexapro while you were pregnant and your child suffered birth defects, call our drug injury lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to significant compensation from the manufacturers, but the window for seeking that compensation could be closing. Don’t wait to get the help you need. Call us today.