Their association with a growing list of serious birth defects has brought forth the opinion that the antidepressant Paxil (paroxetine) and other SSRIs are successful at treating depression, just not during pregnancy. Paxil, the brand name of Paroxetine, is an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) drug which works by increasing available levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin surrounding nerve cells in the brain, which helps boost mood thereby treating depression. 

Pregnant women who are prone to depression or women planning to get pregnant should be cautious in taking antidepressants despite the fact that these drugs are the first line of treatment for most types of depression because of its ability to relieve symptoms and keep patients feeling their best.  According to researchers, the belief that pregnancy hormones would protect women from depression is no longer true.  The range of emotions that are triggered during pregnancy makes it difficult to cope with depression, however, depression is not exactly made worse by pregnancy.

Pregnant women is given a difficult choice to make in treating depression as they would have to choose between taking Paxil or other SSRIs for the sake of their mental health or at the risk of their babies’ health. Both mother and infant’s health could be jeopardized if depression during pregnancy is untreated.  Premature birth, low birth weight, developmental problems and an increased risk of postpartum depression could be results of untreated pregnancy depression. 

Taking the medication while pregnant could potentially harm the developing fetus, according to studies about Paxil and pregnancy. Some serious side effects dredged up by the studies are neonatal persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN), septal heart defects, omphalocele, anencephaly and craniosynostosis are among the growing list.  Because of its potential to cause harm to an unborn child as revealed in adverse reaction data from investigational studies, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified Paxil as a pregnancy category D drug.There have been reports of problems occurring during delivery such as difficulty in breathing, seizures, lack of oxygen in the blood, feeding difficulties, tremors, irritability and constant crying.  Hospitalization, respiratory support and tube feeding may be needed by infants suffering the problems.

The increasing number of Paxil birth defects should warn doctors to only prescribe the medication if it outweighs the risk that it poses to the newborns. Alternative treatments beneficial to both mother and infant should be discussed by both doctor and patient.