Paxil and Pregnancy
06/17/2011
(courtesy photo)
Paxil and pregnancy has been examined by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). An FDA warning for Paxil users has been issued to alert women of the risks associated with using the antidepressant drug Paxil during pregnancy. Women who are pregnant or could become pregnant are encouraged not to use this particular antidepressant. Paxil, which is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline, is considered to be a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). The FDA approved its distribution and sale in 1993 for depression as well as stress and anxiety disorders.
Paxil, also known for its generic brand paroxetine hydrochloride, has been widely prescribed since the mid 1990s for conditions such as Depression, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and General Anxiety Disorder. As with any drug, there are side effects to consider. Common Paxil side effects include dry mouth, constipation, weakness, yawning, diarrhea, sweating, infection, dizziness, tremors, nervousness, decreased appetite, nausea, difficultly sleeping and sleepiness. More serious side effects from Paxilinclude an increased risk of suicidal thoughts or actions, increased risks for women who are pregnant or may become pregnant, mania, seizures, bleeding problems and sexual problems including impotence, abnormal ejaculation, difficulty in reaching an orgasm, or decreased libido. Of much concern are the suggested Paxil birth defects.
In September 2005, the FDA and GlaxoSmithKline issued a Paxil warning to doctors about a new study on major birth defects that resulted from women taking Paxil while pregnant among other antidepressants. The study included more than 3,500 pregnant women and concluded that Paxil was linked to twice as many major birth defects as other antidepressants. Most of the side effects of Paxil include heart related birth defects. Common heart defects seen were ventricular septal defects, which are holes between the heart’s two main pumping chambers. After the alert, the FDA announced in December 2005 that it was requiring GlaxoSmithKline to add additional warnings about side effects Paxil may cause. In July 2006, another FDA Paxil warning was issued announcing the results of a study conducted on the use of antidepressants during pregnancy.
If your child has suffered from a Paxil birth defect, consider contacting a Paxil lawyer.
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