Zoloft: News and Research

Zoloft is a popular antidepressant drug. The generic name for this medication is sertraline hydrochloride. Pfizer is the primary manufacturer of Zoloft, and Accord Healthcare is one manufacturer of the generic version of the drug.

Millions of patients have taken Zoloft since the FDA approved the drug in 1991. But some patients have claimed the drug caused serious health issues. One claim is that Zoloft causes an increased risk of suicidal thoughts. These reports are on pediatric patients and young adults. Another claim is that Zoloft causes bleeding in patients taking blood thinners.

Here, we’ll discuss some of the major news and research studies on Zoloft. This includes updates on plaintiffs who sued Pfizer. We’ll also explain what to do if you feel you suffered injuries while taking this medication.

September 2021: Zoloft May Decrease Risk of Suicide in Young People

Early research indicated that Zoloft may increase the risk of suicide in children and young adults. But a Swedish study published in September 2021 suggests the opposite.

Researchers found a minor spike in suicidal thoughts in early treatment for younger patients. But they also found that the odds of having these thoughts significantly declined over time. The research concluded Zoloft can help decrease suicidality in young adults and children. The same is true for other SSRIs.

June 2020: Extreme Shortage of Zoloft and Sertraline During COVID-19

The FDA reported shortages of Zoloft and Sertraline, the generic form of Zoloft. Pfizer, the company that manufactures Zoloft, said it was able to fill existing prescriptions. But the drugmaker feared it couldn’t handle the increasing number of prescriptions.

Other drug companies were not so lucky. Accord Healthcare reported a shortage in doses of sertraline. A lot of people suffered from anxiety and depression during the pandemic. Drug companies weren’t able to keep up with demand.

April 2016: Philadelphia Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Claiming Zoloft Caused Congenital Disabilities

A federal court in Pennsylvania dismissed more than 300 Zoloft lawsuits. The plaintiffs sued Pfizer for their infants’ congenital disabilities. They argued Zoloft caused their children’s injuries.

The federal judge found that there was not enough scientific evidence linking the drug and the plaintiffs’ injuries. The 300 cases were part of multi-district litigation (MDL) and included patients from New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.

The plaintiffs argued that Zoloft caused their children’s health issues, including spina bifida and heart defects.

April 2015: St. Louis Jury Finds in Favor of Pfizer, Inc.

The first trial for plaintiffs who sued Pfizer for birth injuries took place in St. Louis. Plaintiffs argued that Zoloft caused their babies’ health issues.

This was the first such case that made it to trial. The jury decided that there was not sufficient evidence to prove the drug caused the children’s injuries. This ruling would have a significant impact on later cases.

June 2014: Study Shows Potential Risk of Cardiac Issues for Newborns

In 2009, BMJ published a study showing that babies born to mothers who took Zoloft were three times as likely to develop cardiac issues. There have been conflicting studies on this issue over the years.

In June 2014, a study in the New England Journal of Medicine reported an increased risk of cardiac issues and congenital disabilities for these babies. But the risk didn’t seem to be much higher than other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

January 2013: California Class Action Lawsuit Against Pfizer

In January 2013, a group of plaintiffs in California asked a federal court to approve two class action lawsuits. One would be for California residents and the other for all citizens of the USA. The plaintiffs filed their product liability litigation in San Jose against Pfizer Inc., alleging fraudulent marketing.

The claimants argued that Pfizer lied by saying Zoloft was more effective at treating depression than a placebo. The complaint alleged that Pfizer withheld information about studies showing their drug was not effective at treating depression and other mental health disorders.

The courts dismissed the personal injury cases. It would have been the first lawsuit demanding refunds for a prescription drug that didn’t work the way the drugmaker advertised.

January 22, 2007: Study Links Antidepressants to Bone Fractures in Older Patients

A study in 2007 found that certain antidepressants increase older patients’ risk of bone fractures. Canadian researchers found that older patients who take SSRIs are twice as likely to suffer bone fractures.

The study, which appeared in JAMA, found that older adults taking Zoloft had an increased risk of fractures in the hip and spine.

July 2006: Combined Use of Zoloft and Migraine Medicines Risky

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a public health advisory concerning the use of Zoloft and other antidepressants. The FDA said combining SSRIs and triptans can lead to a life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome. Triptans are medications doctors use to treat migraine headaches.

July 2006: Zoloft Birth Defect Claims

In July 2006, the FDA issued a public health advisory. It warned about the potential side effects of using Zoloft during pregnancy. The FDA said the drug caused an increased risk of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN).

Babies born with PPHN have abnormal blood flow through the heart and lungs. This condition can prove fatal in some infants. There were also claims that pregnant women were at an increased risk of having babies with heart defects.

What To Do if You Become Sick After Taking Zoloft

Zoloft is still one of the most popular antidepressants on the market. Millions of people take this medication daily. This doesn’t mean that Pfizer, the company that makes Zoloft, hasn’t been the subject of criticism.

If you or your loved one become sick after taking Zoloft, seek immediate medical attention. It’s also wise to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer. To find an attorney near you, consult FindLaw.com’s attorney directory.