Paxil Warnings and Reviews Site

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