Paxil and Pregnancy Site

Paxil and Pregnancy

Paxil is an SSRI that was supported by the FDA to control depression and other psychiatric problems.Recent studies about Paxil and its effects on babies born to a mother who took the drug in the first trimester of pregnancy showed that they are more likely to have birth defects compared to those mothers who took other antidepressants during pregnancy.   Heart defects among newborn were, in most cases, more likely to happen as a side effect.

A mother taking Paxil in the first three months of pregnancy is one and a half to two times more probable in having a child with a heart defect. This statistics was derived from two separate studies done on the drug and was reviewed by the FDA last December 2005.  Most commonly assessed heart defects were atrial and ventricular septal defects. These conditions are characterized by holes in the wall of the chambers of the heart. The severity of these heart defects can range widely, from a minor case where it can be easily managed without requiring any treatment to those that can cause grave manifestations that needs surgical management.

With the advent of these recent studies, the manufacturer of the drug reassigned it into another pregnancy category.  From Category C to Category D, the drug is now considered not safe for pregnant woman and has risk to the fetus. The Food and Drug Administration recommends that health care professionals should consider discontinuing the drug and keeping in mind the possible effects of the drug if taken by any pregnant woman. However, the advantage of the therapy may far outweigh the potential risks to the fetus.

Take note that these conclusions are derived only from two studies and that these does not necessarily conclude the overall characteristic of the drug.   FDA is continuously getting facts from other studies in order to better understand the risk for birth defects associated with the drug.