Paxil (Paroxetine) is an antidepressant that is prescribed to treat severe depression, panic attacks, anxiety, stress disorders, post traumatic stress, social and obsessive compulsive disorders, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Paxil is classified as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant. SSRIs are formulated to inhibit the body’s ability to reuptake serontonin-a neurochemical in the body that regulates stress hormones.
Paxil Poses Significant Dangers to Pregnant Women
Shortly after its release on the market in 1992- by pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline- research found that Paxil poses significant health risks to users, including women who are pregnant. Clinical studies revealed that in addition to being linked with a high rate of suicidal tendencies and withdrawal syndrome, Paxil usage in pregnant women can result in a high risk of giving birth to babies born with birth defects.
In one study, findings showed that women who used Paxil during the first three months of their pregnancy were twice as likely to give birth to a heart defect baby or a child suffering from other congenital birth defects than pregnant women who took other SSRIs, or none at all.
The FDA Issues Paxil Warning
After reviewing two studies which found that women who took Paxil during their first trimester were up to two times more likely to give birth to a baby who suffers from heart defects, in December 2005, The United States Food and Drug Administration issued a warning regarding the increased risk of heart defects in newborns born to mothers who took Paxil while pregnant.
Along with this warning, the FDA also reclassified Paxil as a “Category D” drug for women who are pregnant, a rating which signifies an increased risk of potential harm to fetuses.
On November 29, 2006, The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecolgists (ACOG) also recommended that women who are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant in the future should avoid using Paxil.
Paxil Birth Defects
In addition to heart defects, the use of Paroxetine by pregnant women has also been associated with a number of other serious and even deadly Paxil birth defects including:
- Cranial birth defects
- Club foot
- Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN)
- Neural tube defects (spinal and brain cord defects)
- Omphalocele (an abdominal wall defect that occurs when the intestines and/or abdominal organs protrude from the navel)
Seek Professional Help from a Paxil Lawyer
It is estimated by the makers of Paxil themselves that more than 2.5 million women have taken Paxil while pregnant. Are you one of them?
If you or someone you love has taken Paxil while pregnant or has given birth to a child with Paxil birth defects, it is important to seek legal help immediately. You may be entitled to file a Paxil lawsuit for compensation. Please click here to contact a qualified Paxil attorney today.
For more information on Paxil prescription drug lawsuits, please visit our Paxil lawsuit blog.
