Antidepressants – Symbyax Birth Defects, SSRI Drugs

In 2003, Symbyax was approved by the FDA to treat depression of bipolar I disorder. In 2009, approval was granted for treatment resistant depression. Sometimes Symbyax is prescribed off label for anxiety disorders, eating disorders, PTSD, and OCD.

Symbyax is a combination of atypical antipsychotic olanzapine and the SSRI, fluoxetine.

Five years ago, the FDA warned healthcare professionals of new findings regarding potential risks associated with both discontinuation and continuation of antidepressant therapy during pregnancy. The warning was based on two studies performed in women receiving SSRIs.

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One study suggested that there may be a rare risk associated with SSRIs during pregnancy and that continued use of antidepressants past the 20th week of pregnancy was linked to a 6-fold increase in the risk for persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN) in newborns. PPHN occurs in 1 or 2 babies per 1,000 births. PPHN involves severe respiratory failure that requires immediate treatment.

Much can happen in five years. How many more hundreds of thousands of women have taken antidepressants while pregnant? How many more babies have suffered serious to life threatening birth defects caused by antidepressants?

During the five years there have been safety labeling revisions for Symbyax, Lexapro, Celexa, Prozac, Paxil, and Zoloft.

In the second study, it was found that women who discontinued antidepressant therapy were 5 times more likely to have a relapse during pregnancy compared with those who continued treatment. Is that why women are still prescribed potentially dangerous antidepressants while pregnant or thinking about getting pregnant?

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Has your baby been the victim of pain and suffering because you took the unsafe drug Symbyax? Find out if you’re eligible for a Symbyax lawsuit.

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