Under Pressure: Anti-Depressants Linked to Birth Defects; Legal Advisors Now Serve Victims and Loved Ones

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(Newswire.net — July 7, 2013) Utah, United States — About 18.8 million people are treated for depression in the U.S. every year, some of them women who, still despite earning lower incomes than men, are the primary wage earners in 40% of families, according to recent statistics. While Marissa Powell, aka 2013 Miss Utah had difficulty answering a question at the recent Miss USA pageant (The video of this is seen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHEFIhdkgFA), depression is a more serious problem facing society as a whole. A pervading issue is pregnant women who take anti-depressants to counter the problem, and putting their unborn children at risk of birth defects caused by certain medications.

Birth Defects Legal Advisors provides free evaluations and advice to anyone who has given birth to a child with birth defects, and has taken anti-depressants while pregnant. These are typically prescription medications. Manufacturers, however, often do not publicize the risk such drugs pose to pregnant women and their unborn children.

Anti-depressants act by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin. These control the thinking process, pain sensation, sleep, and appetite, among other normal brain functions. One of the most common types of anti-depressant, Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, is used to treat depression and panic, obsessive-compulsive, and eating disorders. The reabsorption of the neurotransmitter is blocked, balancing the level and helping brain cells communicate chemical messages.

Similar substances called Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors increase the levels of these two neurotransmitters, boosting mood and relieving the symptoms of depression and other disorders. For pregnant women, the FDA has in fact labeled these two types of drugs as potentially harmful to an unborn fetus. Research published in the New England Journal of Medicine and other journals supports this. Birth defects such as heart, abdominal, limb, and pulmonary defects, including Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn, have been reported. So have maladies such as autism spectrum disorders, cleft palate, and other major congenital defects.

Birth Defects Legal Advisors represents anyone or a loved one who has experienced such trauma. Experienced attorneys file lawsuits against drug manufacturers to award victims and loved ones compensation. The fight is led with aggressive representation. Class action lawsuits can provide the financial compensation to pay for medical expenses and for pain and suffering incurred as a result of taking the anti-depressants while pregnant.

Anyone needing representation by the legal firm can visit the website and fill out the “Instant Claim Review” form. For more information on the company and to contact an anti-depressant lawsuit attorney, go to the BDLA.

About Birth Defects Legal Advisors

Birth Defect Legal Advisors provides free evaluations for anyone who has given birth to a child with preventable birth defects and took anti-depressants during pregnancy. Professional attorneys are available to represent victims and their loved ones, and help them receive compensation from negligent drug manufacturers. Additional details are available HERE.