Sertraline hydrochloride, marketed by Pfizer as Zoloft, is an SSRI-class antidepressant drug used to treat major depression, obsessive-compulsive behavior, panic and social anxiety disorders. It is historically the most prescribed antidepressant drug in the United States.
Unfortunately, Zoloft has been associated with severe negative side effects, including:
- nausea
- diarrhea
- insomnia
- sexual dysfunction
- physical withdrawal symptoms
Zoloft may be associated with a higher rate of suicide among users, as well.
However, the most serious side effects of Zoloft are birth defects. According to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), use of Zoloft during pregnancy poses a serious risk to the developing baby, including an increased risk of heart defects, Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN), omphalocele (an abdominal wall defect through which a sac containing the small intestine, liver, and large intestine protrudes) and craniosynostosis (early closing of skull sutures resulting in an abnormally-shaped head).
If you, your children, or someone you know has suffered negative health effects as a result of Zoloft, you should consider filing a Zoloft lawsuit. A trained Zoloft lawyer can examine the evidence and act as your Zoloft attorney in court to get you the compensation you deserve.
