Taking Celexa during pregnancy may increase risk of birth defects in a newborn, such as congenital heart defects. Celexa is a type of prescription drug known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that has been used to treat depression.
Women who take Celexa should tell their doctor if they become pregnant or are planning to become pregnant, as the physician may advise to stop use. If the child suffers harm, parents who believe the medication may be to blame may consult with an birth injury attorney to go over details of the case and potential for legal action through a medical malpractice claim.
What kind of birth defects may arise if I am taking Celexa during pregnancy?
Birth defects from taking Celexa during pregnancy may include congenital heart defects or lung problems. Some newborns may experience symptoms like difficulty feeding or breathing, muscle stiffness, or seizures as a result of withdrawal from the medication.
Despite these possible birth defects, though, some doctors may advise women to continue taking the medication, as stopping may lead symptoms of depression to return. Women may discuss with their physician whether they should continue taking the medication if they become pregnant and/or while breastfeeding.
What should I do if I find out I’m pregnant or want to get pregnant while taking Celexa?
The most important thing to do if you are taking Celexa during pregnancy, or are planning to become pregnant, is to contact your doctor. You should never just abruptly stop taking your medication as this can lead to a whole other host of problems, such as intensified depression or mood disorders, and/or physical side effects such as nausea and vomiting.
Your doctor may advise continue taking the medication after weighing the risks and benefits of the drug, may be able to suggest suitable alternatives to medication, or adjust your dosage to a safer level. Physicians who fail to follow an acceptable level of care when prescribing medication to pregnant women may be considered negligent, and may be liable for injuries that occur as a result. A birth injury attorney can consult with parents who suspect medical negligence caused or contributed to congenital heart defects or other medical conditions in their newborn.
Pursuing a Malpractice Claim with a Birth Injury Attorney
Having an experienced medical professional by your side is vital to your well-being during pregnancy and that of your child. Unfortunately, some doctors may provide inadequate care that can lead to problems, such as congenital heart defects. But just because you are prescribed Celexa during pregnancy doesn’t automatically mean you’ll have a case of malpractice.
The doctor must have acted negligently in prescribing the medication or advising continued use – meaning other reasonable professionals would have advised against continued use of the drug – and your child must have suffered harm as a result. An Elyria birth injury attorney can look over the details of the case to evaluate whether you may have a valid case.
Parents who suspect that a doctor’s negligence – such as prescribing a medication like Celexa – led to problems like congenital heart defects may consult with a birth injury attorney. The lawyer can help parents go over their case and explore their legal rights if they suspect negligence led to injury as a result of taking Celexa during pregnancy.