SSRI Drug News
SSRI antidepressants not recommended for infertile women
A study published in Medscape Today has found that there is little to no benefit of taking antidepressants in a class known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for infertile women. The study also reinforced the link between SSRI antidepressants, such as Zoloft, Celexa and Lexapro, and birth defects. More »
SSRI antidepressants could cause heart rhythm abnormalities
A study published on the British Medical Journal website has linked antidepressants in a class known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) to heart rhythm abnormalities. Some of the most-prescribed drugs in the U.S. are SSRIs, including Zoloft, Paxil and Lexapro. More »
January is National Birth Defects Prevention Month
January is National Birth Defects Prevention Month in the United States, a month dedicated to raising awareness to the causes and cures for birth defects. One key aspect of National Birth Defects Prevention Month is educating women about the risks of birth defects associated with medications. More »
Canada certifies class action Paxil birth defects lawsuit
A Canadian woman’s Paxil lawsuit has been certified as a class action, the first in Canada for birth defects related to antidepressants. Faith Gibson alleges that drug manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline failed to warn patients and doctors that its antidepressant Paxil could increase the risks of severe birth defects after her daughter was born with a hole in her heart. More »
Blood test for inflammation may aid in depression treatment
British scientists from King’s College London’s Institute of Psychiatry have conducted a study matching biological markers in the blood to the best treatments for depression. The study included selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants such as Lexapro, Seroplex, and Cipralex, as well as a selection of tricyclic antidepressants. More »
Antidepressants linked to preterm birth, seizures
Antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which include Zoloft and Paxil, have been linked to premature births and seizures among infants, according to a new study. Researchers focused on nearly 230,000 Tennessee women who gave birth between 1995 and 2007. More »
Pregnancy complications, birth defects linked to antidepressants
New research published in the Archives of General Psychiatry has revealed additional complications and birth defects related to a class of antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). The study of nearly 8,000 pregnant women in the Netherlands monitored possible abnormalities in children born to women on SSRIs such as Zoloft and Paxil. More »
Antidepressant drugmaker allegedly bribed study leader to alter results
A whistleblower complaint has been filed alleging that the manufacturer of the antidepressant drug Celexa paid a researcher to tamper with the results of a study comparing it to other drugs. A letter unsealed in court claims Forest Pharmaceuticals bribed the principal investigator in the study to adjust its findings in favor of Celexa. More »
Study reinforces link between SSRIs and birth defect
A study published in the British Medical Journal has found that taking a certain class of antidepressants during pregnancy can lead to persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN), reinforcing findings from earlier studies. The study echoed the findings of previous research, which has also linked the use of antidepressants during pregnancy to an increased risk of birth defects. More »
Study confirms link between autism and antidepressants
A new study has found that exposure to certain antidepressants before birth increases a child’s risk of being born with autism. The National Institute of Mental Health study found that rats exposed to a type of antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) during development were much more likely to show signs of autism. More »