Using Zoloft During Pregnancy May Put Newborns At Risk For Congenital Heart Defects
The heart is one of the most important organs in the human body. Its primary function is to pump blood all throughout the body so other organs are well-nourished. From the time it starts beating until it ceases, it functions tirelessly. Congenital heart defects occur when the normal phases in the development of the fetal heart are not completed. Genetics and environmental factors such as exposure to radiation, medications and viruses are linked to the formation of heart defects at birth. One medication that has been associated with congenital cardiac defects is the anti-depressant Zoloft. Although the prevalence is not high, some women who took the medication while pregnant gave birth to new-borns with heart problems and even cleft palate and cleft lip birth defects.
What is Zoloft?
Zoloft is an antidepressant under the SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor) group with the generic name of sertraline. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter and imbalance may create mood disorders such as anxiety or depression. Zoloft alters the level of serotonin in the brain so it functions normally. Like any other drug, there are side effects linked with it such as congenital cardiac defects.
However, it is not advised to quit taking the drug immediately without physician’s advice as they may cause withdrawal symptoms.
Congenital Cardiac Problems Connected with Zoloft
Coarctation of the Aorta
Coarctation means narrowing and Coarctation of the aorta literally means narrowing of the aorta, the major artery that brings oxygen-rich blood towards the rest of the body. Symptoms depend on the severity of the condition but usually, they are manifested by new-borns in the first few days of life and it includes pale skin, heavy sweating, difficulty in breathing and irritability. This should be immediately managed with surgery once detected because untreated cases might lead to severe heart failure and death.
Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)
In this condition, the wall between the two upper chambers of the heart has a hole. The symptoms generally show by 30 years old like fatigue, frequent lung infections, irregular heartbeats, shortness of breath and bluish skin. Smaller holes usually close without any interventions but the large ones should be repaired as they can shorten the lifespan of an adult if left untreated.
Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)
This condition is also a hole in the heart but in the ventricle and like ASD, small holes close on their own while large ones need surgical repair. Most new-borns with large VSD’s have a bluish tint and it’s mostly visible in the lips and finger nails.
Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)
In this condition, an opening between the two major blood vessels is present. Like ASD and VSD, small holes heal on its own. An infant with a large PDA will have poor growth. If not corrected immediately, the individual can experience complications such as heart failure that may result to death.