Paxil Linked to Severe Birth Defects

The FDA issued a Public Health Advisory regarding the widely-used antidepressant medication Paxil in December 2005 and warned that if women took Paxil during pregnancy, this drug posed a serious risk to the fetus and was linked to an increased risk of congenital heart defects.

Medical studies show the use of Paxil by the mother during pregnancy has been associated with the following severe birth defects:

  • Atrial or Ventricular Septal Defect
  • Congenital Heart Defects (Tetralogy of Fallot, Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, etc.)
  • Abdominal Birth Defects (Omphalocele, Gastroschisis)
  • Lung Birth Defects, including Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension in babies (PPHN)
  • Spina bifida
  • Cleft lip / palate
  • Club foot
  • Cranial Birth Defects (Craniosynostosis, Hydrocephalus)

Paxil is the brand version of the prescription depression medication paroxetine. Paxil was released by GlaxoSmithKline in 1992 and has had several label updates and a “black box” warning to reflect medical trials which show an association between the use of Paxil during pregnancy by the mother and increased risks of congenital birth defects in fetuses.

If you or a loved one took Paxil during pregnancy and the baby was born with a severe birth defect, the family and child may be entitled to financial compensation to help with medical costs, future surgeries, physical therapy, special education needs, lost wages and other expenses.

Contact AkinMears, G.P. today for a free legal consultation. Complete the contact form on the right side of this page, or call toll free 877-534-5750, 24 hours per day, 7 days a week for assistance.