For Your FREE Consultation CALL NOW: 1-888-808-5977

Zoloft and PPHN

Zoloft is a commonly prescribed medication for the treatment of depression, panic, and anxiety disorders. The Federal Drug Administration has issued warnings to doctors regarding the potential risk of newborns developing persistent pulmonary hypertension, especially those exposed during the third trimester of pregnancy.

Overview of Zoloft

Zoloft, sertraline hydrochloride, is classified as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, or SSRI, and is administered for a variety of medical conditions of the brain. Zoloft is approved for treating the symptoms of major and clinical depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Zoloft works by blocking the reuptake process that can cause a serotonin unbalance. Reuptake occurs when the cells absorb too much serotonin, leaving a gap between the nerve cell receptors; thus, causing a disruption in the communication between the nerves. Zoloft has been proven effective for treating the brain disorders that are a result of the serotonin imbalance resulting from the reuptake action.

Zoloft and Category C

The Federal Drug Administration has rated Zoloft and its generic versions a pregnancy Category C drug. Medications that receive this category rating are determined to be potentially harmful to an unborn child. The greatest risk of harm to the unborn child comes during the third trimester of pregnancy. Under Federal Drug Administration guidelines, pregnancy Category C drugs have not been tested on pregnant humans, but do cause harm in fetal animal tests. Additionally, drugs that have not undergone any studies on pregnant animals or humans are automatically classified as pregnancy Category C. It is possible for a physician to continue the use or prescribe this class of medication if it is believed the benefits of the medication to the woman outweigh the potential negative risks to the unborn baby.

Side Effects of Zoloft on Pregnancy

An unborn baby exposed to Zoloft during the third trimester of pregnancy is at greatest risk of suffering adverse side effects. The third trimester is the period of gestation from 27 weeks to 40 weeks. During this time, the baby is growing and preparing for delivery. The vital organs and systems are maturing, preparing for life outside the womb. Reports have shown that unborn babies exposed to Zoloft experienced complications requiring urgent medical treatment. Adverse side effects related to this exposure include lack of oxygen in the blood, breathing difficulties, seizures, tremors, feeding complications, irritability, and continuous crying. In severe cases, serious medical complications have developed, potentially risking the life of the newborn. The risk of developing persistent pulmonary hypertension is increased up to six times that of an unborn baby not exposed to Zoloft.

PPHN and Pregnancy

Persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN) is a potentially fatal condition that causes severe respiratory distress in newborns. PPHN is caused by the continued constriction of the arteries of the lungs following delivery. The narrowing of the lung arteries reduces blood flow into the lungs and causes low oxygen levels in the blood. A newborn experiencing persistent pulmonary hypertension will experience rapid breathing patterns and cyanosis, or blue skin tone. This condition can be present at birth or develop within a day or two following delivery.

An echocardiogram shortly after birth is used to diagnose this condition. Treatment requires the dilation of the arteries with the use of oxygen, and in some cases, nitric acid is added to the oxygen. The newborn’s respiratory system is supported with the use of a ventilator. If persistent pulmonary hypertension does not resolve with other treatment, the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is used. This treatment uses a machine to remove carbon dioxide and add oxygen to the baby’s blood, similar to the use of an artificial lung machine.

Considerations for Women Taking Zoloft

Consulting a healthcare provider is critical for a woman who is thinking about pregnancy or who is currently pregnant and taking Zoloft. A doctor will help evaluate the benefits and potential risks to the unborn baby and determine the recommended course of action. A doctor may lower the dosage or choose to wean the patient off Zoloft before the third trimester begins to reduce the possible development of persistent pulmonary hypertension.