Research Shows that Placebo May Be as Effective as Paxil
New research indicates that Paxil may not be effective if taken for mild depression. An analysis of several anti-depressants published in the Journal of the American Medical Association combined the findings of six earlier studies of antidepressants and placebo effects. The discovery indicated that, on average, the benefit of taking paroxetine anti-depressants such as Paxil, Zoloft and Prozac and imipramine, older antidepressants, may be minimal or nonexistent in patients who have mild or moderate depression. However, for those with severe depression, the benefit of taking these medications over a placebo were substantial.
With these new findings, many women suffering from mild to moderate depression are wondering if taking Paxil is worth the risk, especially since the drug has been known to cause birth defects if taken while pregnant. Some complications for unborn babies include congenital heart defects and persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN), a condition that affects newborns’ breathing and circulation capabilities.
Several medical groups are advising pregnant women with mild to moderate depression to seek alternative treatments before taking medications. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Psychiatric Association distributed a report entitled, “The Management of Depression During Pregnancy.” This report suggests that pregnant women may see benefits from psychotherapy if they want to avoid taking antidepressants.
There are still many people suffering from the negative effects of antidepressants, particularly Paxil. If you or your newborn has been injured as a result of taking Paxil during pregnancy, contact an experienced Missouri defective drug injury attorney today. Page Cagle has a great track record for achieving the best possible results for our clients. If you have questions about your case, call one of our skilled product liability lawyers at (866) 620-5757 for a free consultation.
Source article: http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/OnCall/study-claims-antidepressants-placebos-equally-effective/story?id=9486601
