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. Furthermore, this drug is greatly influenced by other substance, for example, drinking Zoloft and alcohol may cause a wide range of health problems.

The success of this drug, however, might be put to a stall as recent reports that Zoloft may cause several birth defects are piling up. On a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, it was found out that the risk of having a baby born with congenital heart defect is 2 times higher in women taking Zoloft in their first trimester of pregnancy. Yet, this may not be the only congenital defect linked to Zoloft intake during pregnancy.
Currently, medical professionals are trying to find the connection between Zoloft and these side effects:

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). Nonetheless, this can be repaired through a surgery which can be done when the child is still 3 months of age.

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. Treatment of an infant with PPHN is often painstaking as it aims to increase the amount in the blood and reverse any causes of hypoxia (poor tissue perfusion). The patient may be given with dopamine and dobutamine as well as surfactants which helps ease vascular resistance.

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. Oftentimes, surgery is needed to correct the problem but some minor defects heal by themselves.

Brain and spinal cord defects refer to several abnormalities that occurred in the neural tube, precursor of the brain and the spinal cord, resulting from failure of the tube to close. The surgery itself can treat the physical aspect of the child but the impact on its distortion to the nerve functions may mean enduring a permanent physical and emotional suffering 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. This may be something that your child will bear throughout his life.