Zoloft News
Zoloft and similar antidepressants over-prescribed, study finds
A new study by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health has found that Zoloft and other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants (SSRIs) are over-prescribed to patients. Researchers found many patients were clinically diagnosed with depression and given medication, but only 38.4% actually met the 12-month criteria for depression. More »
Government funds research for antidepressant alternatives
The National Institute of Mental Health has awarded a $1.8 million grant to a Tulane University professor researching ketamine as an alternative to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants. Ketamine is currently used as an anesthetic. More »
SSRI antidepressants linked to increased risk in strokes
Postmenopausal women who take antidepressants in a class known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) could be at an increased risk for deadly strokes, according to new research published in the Archives of Internal Medicine. The 6-year study found that women who take an SSRI antidepressant are 45% more likely to suffer a stroke than those who do not. More »
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 »
Rates of miscarriages with antidepressants unusually high
Miscarriage rates of women who took an antidepressant such as Zoloft during pregnancy have topped 10% in some studies, according to maternal-fetal medical specialist Dr. Adam Urato. Additionally, up to 30% of babies exposed to Zoloft or other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in utero will show signs of drug withdrawal, known as newborn behavioral syndrome. 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 »
Zoloft During Pregnancy Linked to Increased Heart Defects Risk
Women who use the antidepressant Zoloft during pregnancy may face an increased risk of giving birth to a child with serious heart defects, according to Hissey Kientz, LLP. Multiple studies have warned about the risk of congenital heart defects and other birth defects linked to taking Zoloft while pregnant. Women who used Zoloft and gave birth to a child with heart defects or other birth defects may be eligible to file a lawsuit and receive compensation for their injuries. More »