Tetralogy of Fallot and Paxil
(800) 250-7280
Paxil® is an anti-depressant pharmaceutical or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRIs) that has been known to cause a number of birth defects when mothers take the drug while pregnant. Some potential Paxil® birth defects are:
- Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF)
- Premature birth of a child
- Pulmonary atresia
- Tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia
Tetralogy of fallot is a congenital heart disease that most of the time has no known causes, but could affect newborns and infants whose mothers have been taking Paxil® during the first trimester of pregnancy. A rare condition, it is caused by four defects in the heart. The defects, combined, result in a lack of oxygen in the blood. The skin of affected babies may appear to be a bluish-tint, a result of lack of oxygen in the bloodstream.
Tetralogy of Fallot Symptoms
Some of the symptoms of Tetralogy of Fallot that can been seen in newborns several hours after their birth include:
- Fatigue unusual perspiration
- Oxygen flow is unsustained
- Breathing speeds up
- Breathing slows down
- Cyanosis, or when the skin turns a dark blue (due to lack of oxygen in blood)
- Prolonged crying
- Poor weight gain
- Clubbing of the toes and fingers
- Loss of consciousness
Tet Spells
Infants with Tetralogy of Fallot may also develop deep blue lips, skin and nails after eating, crying or having a bowel movement. These episodes are called “Tet spells.” They are common among babies between the ages of 2 and 4 months who have TOF.
Patients who have Tetralogy of Fallot may have set limitations on exercise for the rest of their lives and may require regular medical care. In most cases, patients will grow to live fairly normal lives.
If your infant becomes blue in color, place him/her on the side and pull his/her knees to the chest. This will increase blood flow. Seek emergency medical attention immediately.
Paxil® Heart Defects
If you took Paxil® or another antidepressant during your pregnanxy and your child was born with a heart defect, you may be eligible to seek compensation for your loss. To find out more information, call toll free 800-250-7280 and schedule a case evaluation with an experienced Paxil® heart defect lawyer. We can help you seek compensation for the medical costs and for you pain and suffering.
