Double Outlet Right Ventricle and Paxil
(800) 250-7280
Paxil® is one of the most popular forms of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), prescribed for the treatment of depression and social anxiety. Paxil®, when taken by a pregnant mother, can lead to dangerous heart defects in the baby, including double outlet right ventricle (DORV).
Double outlet right ventricle is a rare congenital heart disease. Children with DORV have both a pulmonary artery and aorta coming out of the right ventricle. Usually, the pulmonary artery is the only thing that comes out of the right ventricle and the aorta comes out of the left ventricle.
DORV usually happens in the first eight weeks of fetal development in children. Surgery can usually be performed to repair the double outlet right ventricle and the common post-opt prognosis is that most children can go on living normal, healthy lives.
Double Outlet Right Ventricle Symptoms
Symptoms of DORV include:
- Fatigue
- Heart murmurs
- Rapid breathing or shortness of breath
- Profuse sweating
- Skin turns blue (cyanosis)
- Poor weight gain due to decreased feeding
The age and severity of a DORV all depends on the child who has the condition. A double outlet right ventricle might have symptoms similar to other heart or health conditions. Early treatment is always best.
Double Outlet Right Ventricle in Newborns
If the pulmonary artery, aorta and heart are severely misshapen, it can lead to cyanosis of a newborn's entire body. This is a good indicator that a DORV is present and doctors can perform surgery early on.
Paxil® Double Outlet Right Ventricle
SSRIs such as Paxil® have been linked to serious birth defects. The FDA has warned healthcare professionals of an increased risk of heart defects in infants whose pregnant mothers take Paxil® during the first trimester. If your newborn has a double outlet right ventricle, or another heart defect and you took Paxil® or another antidepressant during your first trimester, you should speak with an attorney about your legal options.
You and your family might be able to file a lawsuit against the makers of Paxil®. You may be entitled to obtain a just and fair settlement to help with your family's pain and suffering. Having an experienced lawyer on your side is important and can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.
Contact a Paxil® heart defect attorney today by calling toll free 800-250-7280 or by sending us an email. Someone from our law offices will return your call promptly.
