Paxil is a popular drug taken as tablet or oral suspension for depression, OCD, anxiety and panic disorder for adults. Paxil is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline and has been available in the market since 1992. It helps prevent re-absorption of a neurotransmitter in the brain called Serotonin thus it is under the Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor drug class. Preventing the re-absorption of Serotonin can increase the general well being of the patient. Most pregnant women undergo fluctuation of emotions that at times needs to be medicated because it is not already manageable. For those patients that have been harmed by taking the drug made by GlaxoSmithKline, the company has agreed to settle it with the amount of $3 Billion.
When studies have found out that taking Paxil in the 1st trimester of pregnancy will result to birth defects for the fetus, the FDA has changed its pregnancy category from C to D. Atrial and ventricular septal defects were the common heart defects seen in fetuses. Not only can it cause heart defects but it can also cause lung defects for the fetus. Thoughtful consideration of the benefits and disadvantages in taking the drugs before it would be taken because of the potential harm it could cause in the fetus. Options can be given by your doctor if you want to get pregnant but still taking Paxil. Likewise if you are already pregnant and is still taking Paxil, it should be consulted with your doctor.
A study for the safe usage of Paxil was done in 2010 even if it was launched way back 1992. It was then that it was upgraded to a higher pregnancy risk category. Breastfeeding should also be consulted with the doctor. Consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding your infant. There were some cases that have surfaced stating that they were pregnant when they had the prescription of Paxil and that their children were born with heart defects. Many cases are now being made public about women who were pregnant when they took Paxil and as a result have babies that have a heart defect.
GlaxoSmithKline is now facing cases from women who have babies with birth defect due to Paxil. Cases about Paxil birth defects are now increasing.
References:
- medicinenet.com/paroxetine/article.htm
- health.ezinemark.com/reports-show-paxil-birth-defects-more-likely-during-first-trimester-7d300a23f680.html
- uniteforlife.wordpress.com/category/paxil-birth-defects/
- drugs.com/paxil.html
