birth defects Tagged Articles

Study links prematurity, reduced head size to SSRI use during pregnancy

Posted: March 7, 2012 Pharmaceutical

Most doctors advise their patients with depression not to take antidepressants during pregnancy because the drugs may cause serious birth defects. However, a new study shows that not treating depression during pregnancy may cause poor birth outcomes as well.

SSRIs can cause weight gain, birth defects

Posted: March 6, 2012 Pharmaceutical

Antidepressants may cause weight gain and are often prescribed to simulate appetite, according to a report by CBS 8 Health Day. Antidepressants that promote weight gain include Paxil (paroxetine) and Zoloft (sertraline). Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Prozac (fluoxetine) are considered weight-neutral

Legitimacy of PMDD considered in newest edition of DSM

Posted: March 2, 2012 Pharmaceutical

Currently, doctors and psychiatrists are weighing the legitimacy of a condition known as Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) to determine if it deserves a listing in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), the American Psychiatric Association’s bible for

BMJ confirms FDA’s warning that SSRIs can cause birth defects

Posted: March 1, 2012 Pharmaceutical

In January, the British Medical Journal reaffirmed a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warning when it published a study that showed a class of antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), were linked to serious birth defects in

Experimental diet drug shows promise for those with type 2 diabetes

Posted: February 27, 2012 Pharmaceutical

An experimental diet pill is one step closer to becoming available for people who are obese or overweight with conditions such as hypertension and type 2 diabetes. A Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory panel recommended the approval of Qnexa

Birth defects lawsuits filed against makers of antidepressant Lexapro

Posted: February 24, 2012 Pharmaceutical

Three new lawsuits have been filed against the makers of the antidepressant Lexapro by women who claim that using the drug during pregnancy caused them to deliver babies with various birth defects including spina bifida and club foot.

More birth defects lawsuits filed against Zoloft makers

Posted: February 23, 2012 Pharmaceutical

More lawsuits have been filed against drug maker Pfizer by women who claim that the company hid information that showed using the antidepressant Zoloft during pregnancy could cause birth defects. The class action lawsuit was filed in St. Louis Circuit

FDA panel recommends approval of controversial diet drug Qnexa

Posted: February 23, 2012 Pharmaceutical

A new diet drug may soon be available for people battling the bulge, but it may come at a price. This week, a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory panel reviewed clinical data on the weight loss drug Qnexa and

FDA considers approval of diet drug despite birth defects, heart risks

Posted: February 23, 2012 Pharmaceutical

Drug maker Vivus Inc., is hoping to win Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for its diet drug Qnexa this week after a rejection in 2010 due to serious health concerns. Experts say the chances of the weight loss drug

Do drug companies protect profits by unethical means?

Posted: February 7, 2012 Pharmaceutical

Sometimes it is hard to know whom you can trust. But trust is of the utmost importance when it involves human life. Unfortunately, drug companies are apparently demonstrating they are more interested in profits than in protecting the consumers who