Paxil, also known by its generic name paroxetine or by lesser-known brand names Aropax and Seroxat, is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class of antidepressant that GlaxoSmithKline introduced to the market in 1992. It is typically prescribed to treat major depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety, and generalized anxiety disorder in adults.
The medication is not without its potential side effects, many that its manufacturer denied or hid for years. Despite its effectiveness as an antidepressant, Paxil’s side effects often outweigh its benefits, especially for pregnant women.
Paxil’s side effects run the gamut from headaches to suicidal tendencies. One of the most extreme side effects is the presence of withdrawal symptoms associated with stopping use of the drug. GlaxoSmithKline has run into heavy criticism and lawsuits for its endorsement of Paxil as a “non-habit forming” drug, when evidence not only shows the contrary, but that they were well aware that the drug caused several withdrawal symptoms.
The FDA issued a Paxil birth defect warning in 2005. The potential risks to unborn babies are well-documented and numerous, including but not limited to premature birth, miscarriage, clubbed foot, cleft lip or palate, delayed development, persistent pulmonary hypertension, gastrochisis, septal heart defects, neural tube defects, and spina bifida.
Weighing the Risks
Babies born to women taking Paxil during pregnancy were 1.5 to 1.7 times more likely to develop heart defects and persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN), which is a serious and life-threatening lung condition that occurs soon after birth of the newborn. Despite these risks, withdrawal symptoms make it extremely difficult to stop taking Paxil, even when pregnant women should to avoid harm to their infants. Studies have shown an increased risk of congenital heart defects in babies born to women taking Paxil. These defects can be life threatening. While some correct themselves, many require expensive corrective surgery.
Doctors should carefully weigh the risks of birth defects presented by Paxil against the benefit to the mother, especially if there are less dangerous alternatives. Doctors should exercise extreme caution when treating depression in women who are pregnant or may become pregnant. For women already on Paxil who have become pregnant, they must take extreme caution when stopping the medication. Those women were five times more likely to have a recurrence of depression, according to studies.
Lawsuits Abound
Paxil’s dangerous properties have been known for years. At least 5,000 lawsuits have been filed against GlaxoSmithKline for the damage Paxil has caused. In 2004 the company settled a consumer fraud lawsuit accusing it of deliberately and systematically suppressing unfavorable research results. In 2005 the company was accused of suppressing data regarding Paxil’s effect on suicidal tendencies.
GlaxoSmithKline’s settlements were a small fraction of the value of the drug. In 2007 Paxil was the fifth most prescribed SSRI, generating 18.1 million prescriptions and a billion dollars in sales.
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If you or your child has suffered from the effects of Paxil-related birth defects, submit this simple secure form for a free and confidential evaluation to learn more about your eligibility to file a Paxil heart birth defect lawsuit. Legal action is the best way to recover the most compensation for your medical expenses and pain and suffering.