Since its introduction in 1992, millions of doses of the medication Paxil have been prescribed to treat depression and anxiety. More and more evidence is emerging that using Paxil or other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) during pregnancy can increase the likelihood of life-threatening birth defects such as heart and lung defects.

Mothers who have used Paxil during pregnancy and expectant mothers taking the drug should be aware of these birth defect risks. Paxil has been linked to increased birth defects, lung damage, heart valve defects, Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension (PPHN), atrial and ventricular valve defects (holes), abnormal cranial shaped heads, respiratory pulmonary failure and other rare birth defects to infants of mothers that were prescribed Paxil during pregnancy. The FDA has issued numerous warnings about the dangers of paxil during pregnancy, PPHN and heart valve defects to infants. If your child was born with a birth defect or a congenital heart condition, you should learn as much as you can about your child's condition and what can be done to correct the problem or lessen its effects

Paxil use during pregnancy has been linked to two major types of birth defects:

Ventricular and/or Atrial Septal Defects - these heart defects prevent full oxygenation of the blood by the lungs. Studies indicate that Paxil taken in early pregnancy doubles a baby's chance of being born with a heart defect. During the first several weeks of pregnancy, the baby's heart develops. It is possible a woman is not aware she is pregnant before her baby's heart is completely developed. These defects affect the chambers of the heart. In most cases the defect can be corrected by surgery. In a small number of cases it can heal itself as the child grows. This type of medical condition is commonly called a "hole in the heart."

Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN) - Babies born with PPHN have abnormal blood flow through their heart and lungs and do not get enough oxygen to their bodies. Babies born with PPHN can be very sick and may even die. An article in the February 9, 2006 New England Journal of Medicine entitled "Selective Serotonin-Reuptake Inhibitors and Risk of Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn" describes a study which found an association between the maternal use of SSRIs (including Paxil) and PPHN in the offspring.

The FDA in July 2006 published a case-control study has shown that infants born to mothers who took selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) after the 20th week of pregnancy were 6 times more likely to have persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN) than infants born to mothers who did not take antidepressants during pregnancy. The background risk of a woman giving birth to an infant affected by PPHN in the general population is estimated to be about 1 to 2 infants per 1000 live births.

Neonatal PPHN is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The FDA is updating the prescribing information for all SSRIs with this new information. The FDA is also accruing data from additional sources pertaining to the potential association between SSRIs and neonatal PPHN. The FDA will provide additional information when it becomes available. In the interim, the FDA recommends that physicians carefully consider and discuss with patients the potential risks and benefits of SSRI treatment throughout pregnancy, including late pregnancy.

Paxil Pregnancy Side Effects Lawsuit