Zoloft Withdrawal Symptoms in Newborns
Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome in Newborns
Although the intended use of the medication is to treat depression, anxiety, and related illnesses, there are serious risks to the newborns of mothers taking Zoloft while pregnant. One of those is “neonatal abstinence syndrome.” This syndrome usually occurs when an infant is withdrawing from addictive substances such as narcotics.
In late 2003 researchers found at least 93 cases of babies who were enduring neonatal convulsions and withdrawal syndrome symptoms because their mothers had used SSRIs while carrying the baby to term, according to a study published in the Lancet. To acquire the information, the researchers scoured a World Health Organization database to find reports of neonatal convulsions and withdrawal syndrome associated with the use of SSRIs.
Study Shows 30% of Babies Born With Zoloft Withdrawal
A fetus is exposed to SSRIs in the same fashion it is exposed to other substances in the womb: via the placenta. When a mother takes SSRIs to treat her symptoms, the fetus shares the medication with the mother. Upon birth, the new born is deprived of the SSRI and becomes at risk for neonatal abstinence syndrome.
“In a 2006 study of infants exposed to SSRIs including Zoloft in utero, 30% of babies were born with Zoloft withdrawal or some other type of SSRI withdrawal. Their symptoms, which were most visible two days after birth, included tremor, gastrointestinal disturbances and high-pitched crying.”
Zoloft Withdrawl Symptoms in Newborns
The symptoms of Zoloft withdrawal in newborns can vary, but the Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford University in Palo Alto, California, lists a number of possibilities, including:
- tremors
- irritability
- sleep problems
- high-pitched crying
- seizures
- poor feeding
- vomiting
- fever
- sweating
Speak to a Lawyer Today
If your child has experienced these serious Zoloft side effects, it is important that you understand your legal position. The attorneys at the Rottenstein Law Group have more than 25 years of collective experience helping clients assert their rights against negligent pharmaceutical companies. For a free consultation with RLG, please fill out this brief contact form.
