Paxil Warning: May Cause Serious Birth Defects if Taken While Pregnant
In 2005, the FDA released a warning on the drug Paxil indicating that the drug increased risks of birth defects when taken during the first three months of pregnancy. Paxil is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) given to patients to relieve depression. Other SSRIs included in the report were Celexa, Fluvoxamine, Lexapro, Prozac, Symbyax and Zoloft.
Mothers who had been taking Paxil or other SSRIs after the 20th week of pregnancy were six times more likely to give birth to babies with persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN) than pregnant mothers who did not take antidepressants. PPHN is a severe but rare disease that is characterized by abnormal blood flow leading to a lack of oxygen to the baby’s heart and lungs. The condition can be fatal to babies and may cause permanent neurologic damage to survivors.
Paxil has also been known to cause heart defects in newborns such as atrial and ventricular septal defects that create holes in the chamber walls of the heart. Other Paxil birth defects include low blood sugar, vomiting, seizures, irritability and tremor.
If you are pregnant and taking Paxil, talk to your doctor or get a second opinion on the drug. In some cases, continued use of Paxil outweighs the possible side effects. Paxil birth defects can be devastating especially since they can be prevented. If you or a loved one has had a child that suffered a birth injury or defect because of Paxil use, you may have a case for a product liability claim against the negligent manufacturer. Contact Page Cagle for a free consultation with a skilled Missouri personal injury attorney. Call (866) 620-5757 today.
