Paxil Warnings and Reviews Site

Many pregnant women in America were prescribed with antidepressants to treat depression which may cause premature labor, pregnancy complications or miscarriage. Even after giving birth, these women continued using antidepressants to cure postpartum depression caused by insomnia.

Antidepressants are used as medications for depression. There are four main types of antidepressants, namely: selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRI), tricyclics and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI). However, studies suggest that SSRIs are risky during the early stages of pregnancy considering its connection to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) development on the infant exposed to it.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors include fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), paroxetine (Paxil), citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluvoxamine (Luvox). According to studies, 12% of children diagnosed with ASD have mothers who have been treated for depression or other mental disorders. Out of all cases of autism, a small percentage of 2% have been attributed to SSRI exposure. Some 6.5% pregnant women in 2005 were noted to have SSRI treatments.

Major depressive disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder are some of the illnesses that the GlaxoSmithKline-manufactured paroxetine drug Paxil seeks to cure. Paroxetine functions by multiplying serotonin to facilitate mental and emotional balance and further ease a person's worry, anxiety and fear. While the functions of Paxil are positive, GlaxoSmithKline ironically admits that it heightens the risk of suicidal thinking, clinical worsening or unusual changes in behavior.

Paxil's most common side effects are nausea, sleepiness, weakness, dizziness, feeling anxious or trouble sleeping, sexual problems, sweating, shaking, not feeling hungry, dry mouth, constipation, infection and yawning. Infants exposed to paroxetine during the early stages of their mother's pregnancy were noticed to have a higher risk for congenital cardiovascular malformations. A crucial contraindication label is placed on Paxil against intake of pregnant women or those who are breastfeeding. It contains the possible link between Paxil and birth defects or premature births.

Some birth defects allegedly caused by Paxil are clubbed foot, cleft palate, delayed development, persistent pulmonary hypertension, gastroschisis or abdominal hernia, heart defects and brain/spinal cord defects.The US Food and Drug Administration are anticipating a handful of complaints from Paxil users because of these dangerous side effects, especially those from pregnant users whose infants are suffering from birth defects.

A Paxil lawsuit could be born out of these complaints and demands for compensation against Paxil maker, GlaxoSmithKline PLC. Actual damages may be the measure for indemnification but the doorways to vindication are moral and exemplary damages.

 REFERENCES:

• www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0004481/
• www.bbc.co.uk/health/emotional_health/mental_health/drugs_antidep.shtml
• www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db76.htm
• us.gsk.com/products/assets/us_paxil.pdf
• www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a698032.html
• edition.cnn.com/2011/HEALTH/07/04/antidepressant.pregnancy.autism.risk/index.html
• www.sane.org/information/factsheets-podcasts/200-antidepressant-medication
• www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/child-and-adolescent-mental-health/antidepressant-medications-for-children-and-adolescents-information-for-parents-and-caregivers.shtml

During an interview with the Montreal Gazette before his lecture at the Montreal Concordia University, Robert Whitaker, author of the book Anatomy of an Epidemic: Magic Bullets, Psychiatric Drugs and the Astonishing Rise of Mental Illness, said that “improved detection and various cultural factors are contributing to the increased numbers of mentally ill individuals in society.” He further raised questions about the use of antidepressant medicines, quoting studies that presenting antidepressants induce changes in brain chemistry that can trigger suicidal thoughts, manic and psychotic behavior, among other illnesses.

Several warnings have been released by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) concerning antidepressant intakes like Paxil.

In 2004, the FDA mandated pharmaceutical companies to add a “black box” caution to all antidepressant drugs because they cause suicidal thoughts and attempts in children and teenagers. In 2005, the FDA cautioned that Paxil may cause birth defects like heart diseases, especially when taken during the first trimester of pregnancy. This FDA public health advisory was based on early results from studies which found out that women who took Paxil on their first trimester were up to two times more likely to bear a child with cardiovascular deformities compared to pregnant women who did not take Paxil. In March 2006,the FDA further mandated the manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline to overtly warn the patients and doctors that Paxil and other antidepressants increase suicidal attempts.

Also in 2006, Paxil manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline released letters to doctors warning that its antidepressant medicines increases the risk of suicide in adults. It was the first warning of its kind by a manufacturer, pharmaceutical industry observers say.

Numerous researches and testing from different institutions and universities also warn the public about the worsened outcome of taking antidepressants such as panic attacks, agitation, hallucinations, insomnia, hostility, violence and self-harm.

With these cautions, people with depression including pregnant women should consider another way of treatment other than Paxil intake which has been consistently accused of causing harmful side effects. Aside from the clinical tests and researches, reports from users show that Paxil has brought harm on their health and lives as well.

The above-stated warnings and reviews should be noted by the consumers to avoid any unfortunate circumstances, medical professionals advise. These reports are substantiated through the Paxil lawsuit filed by the affected patients against the manufacturer, GlaxoSmithKline.

References:

• scientologyagainstdrugs.wordpress.com/category/side-effects-of-antidepressants-ssris/

• injury-law.freeadvice.com/injury-law/drug-toxic_chemicals/paxil-warning.htm

• injury-law.freeadvice.com/injury-law/drug-toxic_chemicals/paxil-information.htm

In spite of all the studies on the dangerous side effects of Paxil, a further study has yet to be circulated to the public, especially to doctors and patients. Sixty-one previous studies that explored the link between Paxil and breast cancer were analyzed by Lisa Cosgrove, a researcher and psychology professor at the University of Massachusetts. Based on her study, the possibility of breast cancer is linked to the use of Paxil. She found out that the risk of cancer may increase by about 11 percent for those patients who took antidepressants.

Paxil belongs to a medicine group referred as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that is responsible for balancing the body’s serotonin. Serotonin is a kind of hormone that influences the overall condition of our well-being. It is responsible for mood regulation, anxiety moderation and depression relief. In simpler terms, Paxil is an antidepressant drug.

Medical reports from patients, plus clinical findings, implicate Paxil in several serious and even life-threatening side effects, including birth defects, suicide, psychosis, abnormal personality changes, and sleeping and eating disorders.

As implied in new medical researchers, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) may raise its level of cautions on antidepressant use particularly to women. Certain danger-related advisories may be issued despite the FDA having sent out various warnings beforehand on taking antidepressants like Paxil.

In 2004, the FDA mandated pharmaceutical companies to add a “black box” caution to all antidepressant drugs because they cause suicidal thoughts and attempts in children and teenagers. In December 2005, FDA warned that Paxil may cause birth defects, including cardiovascular malformation, especially when the mother takes the drug during the first trimester of pregnancy. In March 2006, FDA further mandated the manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline to overtly warn the patients and doctors that Paxil and other antidepressants increase suicidal attempts.

Also in 2006, Paxil manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline released letters to doctors warning that its antidepressant medicines increase the risk of suicide in adults. It was the first and foremost warning of its kind issued by a manufacturer, pharmaceutical industry observers say.

Numerous studies and clinical findings from various universities and institutions also warn the public regarding the increased rate of unpleasant outcomes of taking antidepressants like insomnia, agitation, panic attacks, hostility, hallucinations, self-harm, violence, sexual dysfunction and Paxil birth defects. The above-stated warnings and reviews should be noted by the consumers to avoid any unfortunate circumstances, medical professionals advise.

References:

scientologyagainstdrugs.wordpress.com/category/side-effects-of-antidepressants-ssris/

injury-law.freeadvice.com/injury-law/drug-toxic_chemicals/paxil-warning.htm

injury-law.freeadvice.com/injury-law/drug-toxic_chemicals/paxil-information.htm

Paxil is a popular prescription drug which is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and is usually given to combat depression. Paxil has been one of the most widely prescribed drugs for its attended use since its introduction into the public market. However Paxil’s brief history is not without its blemishes, studies have shown that Paxil has the potential to raise the chance for antidepressant suicide in some patients.

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently reviewed a 2005 Paxil study, this review led to a new warning regarding how the medication could cause a range of birth defects. According to review, data was collected from over 3,500 women taking Paxil during the first 3 months of pregnancy. The medication has not been totally banned for pregnant women, though the warning was upped from Class C to Class D, meaning there is evidence the drug poses a known risk to unborn children. Although it is not recommended expecting mothers take Paxil, doctors may continue to prescribe it if the benefits for the mother outweigh the risk posed to the fetus.

Since its review of the study the FDA has made the following statement: “FDA is advising health care professionals to discuss the potential risk of birth defects with patients taking Paxil who plan to become pregnant or are in their first three months of pregnancy. Health care professionals should consider discontinuing Paxil (and switching to another antidepressant if indicated) in these patients.”

Also since the review GSK has also placed the following warning on its own website regarding Paxil: "Babies born to mothers who have taken antidepressants, including SSRIs such as Paxil, in the third trimester of pregnancy have reported complications, including difficulties with breathing, turning blue, seizures, changing body temperature, feeding problems, vomiting, low blood sugar, floppiness, stiffness, tremor, shakiness, irritability or constant crying. Tube feeding, help with breathing and longer hospitalization may be needed. There have also been reports of premature births in pregnant women exposed to SSRIs, including Paxil.”

The review by the FDA of a study done on Paxil has shown that the drug can potentially cause Paxil Birth Defects in babies born to mothers who took Paxil during pregnancy. If you are about to start using Paxil for your signs and symptoms of depression; consult with your doctor first.

Related Video: Paxil SSRI Antidepressant

Also known for its generic name, Paroxetine Hydrochloride, Paxil is an antidepressant that falls under the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor drug class. It is an FDA approved drug for depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, anxiety disorder and post traumatic stress disorder on adults. But the drug is not used as treatment for children below 18 years old because there are no studies supporting its effectiveness. Taking the prescribed medication can bring both good and bad effects, the result, however depend on the patient’s compliance.

Every drug brings negative effects, but a great number of individual report no or minor side effects. Paxil side effects vary widely on its severity; minor negligible side effects or major effects requiring medical attention. Some minor effects of the drug are nausea, blurring of vision, dry mouth, mood changes, numbness or tingling of the skin, change in appetite and diarrhea. Many of these symptoms disappear on their own over time while some may worsen and needs to be consulted with a health care provider. Major side effects of the drug that can lead to serious medical problems necessitate immediate intervention. Some major side effects of the drug are severe allergic reactions, bizarre behavior, chest pain, confusion, decreased concentration and coordination, abnormal heart rhythm and worsening agitation. If any of these effects becomes a hindrance to a smooth everyday living, it is only proper to seek medical help. .

Prior to starting any drug therapy, it is good to inform your doctor about any medical conditions, present drug regimen, and other significant information on your health status. Paxil and Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor must in no way be taken together. Serious and sometimes fatal reactions can happen if taken together. There should be at least 14 days of 2 weeks gap before intake of either drug. Paxil is also said to have increased the risk of developing congenital malformations to babies whose mother was exposed to the drug during pregnancy. This drug should not be administered to patients who are allergic to paroxetine.

Minor and major side effects of the drug have both accounted for. Some patients claimed to have experienced some of the side effects. Nevertheless, consulting a health care provider before taking the drug is important to maximize the good effects of the drug. If you’ve experienced any side effect of the drug and would like to take action on it, you can actually contact Paxil lawyers. They are available for free consultation.