In 2010, the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology released a study about congenital heart defects (CHD) and Bupropion use for one month prior to conception and within three months of conception. Bupropion is the generic word for Wellbutrin antidepressant and stop-smoking aid Zyban.

What are congenital heart defects?

A child born with CHD has an abnormally structured heart and/or large vessels. Congenital heart defects are America's number one birth defect. These defective hearts may have incomplete or missing parts, may have holes between chamber partitions, may be put together incorrectly, or may have narrow or leaky valves or narrow vessels. There are 40 different types of congenital heart defects, ranging from very little risk to children who require immediate surgery.

Women who are trying to get pregnant or in the early stages of pregnancy need to be informed about the benefits and risks of antidepressants including Wellbutrin.

The results from this study are inclusive regarding association between early pregnancy and Bupropion, Wellbutrin, and Zyban use and left outflow tract heart defects. Although the risk is perceived as small, further studies are necessary to better confirm results.

However, if your baby has suffered congenital heart defects after taking Wellbutrin or Zyban one month prior to getting pregnant or during your first trimester – we advise that you contact a New Jersey law firm to find out if you are entitled to a Wellbutrin CHD lawsuit.