One of the most recommended drug for major depression, Zoloft, belongs to the type of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs. To ensure its effectiveness and prevent hazards, strict adherence to the regimen needs to be followed. Additionally, the presence of Zoloft and alcohol might cause harm in the body.

Unfortunately, things may not go so well for this drug as complaints about birth defects associated with Zoloft use are rising in number. According to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, women who took Zoloft in their first few months of pregnancy had twice the risk of having a baby born with a heart defect. Though, this may just be a part of the entire.
Medical experts are now trying to establish the link between Zoloft and the following birth defects:

Clubbing of the foot is when the foot turns downward and inward. It is the most common congenital disorder of the legs which may range from mild and flexible to severe and rigid. This problem can be treated by correcting the position of the foot and then applying a cast to keep the position of the foot.

Cleft lip or palate refers to the non-fusion or the opening of the upper lip or the roof of the mouth (palate). This malformation can be corrected with a surgery which may be conducted as early as 3 months after birth.

Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN) is the result of elevated pulmonary vascular resistance to the point that venous blood is diverted to some degree through fetal channels into the systemic circulation and bypassing the lungs, resulting in inadequate supply of oxygen to the bloodstream which may be life-threatening. Care of the newborn with PPHN must be meticulous involving a continuous monitoring of oxygenation, blood pressure and perfusion. Inotropic drugs like dopamine and dobutamine are often very helpful along with administration of surfactants to improve the condition.

There are several heart defects whose effects may be slight or critical. This may cripple the heart from working properly emanating developmental problems to the child or even worse – death. There are instances that the defects will heal by themselves but some may require surgery to repair the problem.

Brain or spinal cord defects occur when the neural tube, precursor of the central nervous system, fail to properly close. Despite the surgical intervention to improve its outward physique, the damage to the nervous system may not be corrected as well which may end in a lifelong physical and emotional endeavor to the child.

Birth defects are serious matters thus if you found out that you are pregnant or you are planning to have a child, inform your doctor before starting your Zoloft therapy. The physical and emotional endeavors your child will endure may be tough and lifelong.