Heart Disorder Linked to Paxil in Pregnancy

The drug Paxil has been linked to numerous birth defects. Heart defects have been linked with Paxil use during pregnancy. According to two studies, women who took the antidepressant Paxil, especially during their first trimester of pregnancy, were almost twice as likely to have a baby born with a heart defect than women on other antidepressants or women in the general population. These studies reported mostly defects such as holes in heart’s chamber walls. A defect in the heart may need to be repaired surgically, and any surgery, but especially surgery of the heart, can be life threatening.

Lung Disorder Linked to Paxil in Pregnancy

Studies have shown an increase in risk of the lung disorder PPHN (Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn) in babies whose mothers took Paxil during the second half of their pregnancy. While the baby is still in the womb, the baby does not need to use its lungs, because the mother provides oxygen-rich blood to the developing baby. In normal infants at birth, breathing begins, and oxygen-rich blood goes to the heart and is circulated throughout the body. However, in babies with PPHN, the blood bypasses the lungs, and oxygen-poor blood circulates throughout the body. Signs of PPHN after birth include fast breathing/problems breathing and high heart rate, and blue skin. PPHN is serious and some infants may require mechanical breathing assistance. Some may die after birth and some will develop brain abnormalities and hearing problems.

Types of Paxil Related Birth Injuries

Heart Defects – Atrial and Ventricular Septal Defects – Lung Disorders – Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn –

Other possible Paxil birth defects and complications include:

Difficulties with Breathing – Seizures – Vomiting – Low Blood Sugar – Tremors – Irritability

FDA ALERTS: Advising of Risk of Birth Defects

Paxil is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline and they received FDA approval for sale in 1992. It is an antidepressant taken by many women during pregnancy. Many people believe the company was aware of Paxil’s harmful effects on the fetus before any warnings were ever issued. In December 2005, the FDA advised that pregnant women should not take Paxil (paroxetine) during their first trimester. In November 2006, ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) recommended that pregnant women or those planning to become pregnant avoid taking Paxil. But thousands of women who took Paxil during pregnancy were not warned and their babies suffered as a result.