Paxil and Birth Defects

Recent studies in Europe and the United States have identified a link between the use of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant drugs during pregnancy like Paxil and birth defects in infants.

Researchers have related the antidepressant drugs to severe birth defects like heart defects, club foot, skull deformities, brain defects, spine deformities, lung conditions, and abdominal defects.

Unfortunately, more than 100 million people have been prescribed Paxil since it was released in 1992 and the maker of the drug gave little or no warning about these risks. Experts are concerned that millions of children may have suffered birth defects as a result.

For years, attorneys have been helping those affected by Paxil and birth defects. A lawsuit for your child’s condition can help deal with the substantial medical expenses, pain, suffering, lost time and lost earnings involved. However, it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible as time is limited to file a claim.

If your child was born with birth defects after you took Paxil, it is important to learn your legal options. You may be entitled to a substantial recovery for their condition. Contact us today to speak with an attorney.

Below is further information on the studies linking Paxil and birth defects.

Paxil and Heart Birth Defects

The FDA and Aarhus University in Denmark cautioned that taking antidepressant drugs like Paxil may be related to heart birth defects like Atrial Septal Defects (ASD) and Ventricular Septal Defects (VSD). These serious conditions cause holes to develop in the walls of heart chambers.

Paxil and Lung Birth Defects

The University of California at San Diego conducted a study which found a link between drugs like Paxil and birth defects of the lungs. Research showed an increase of more than 600% for the risk of Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension in Newborns (PPHN). This is a condition where an infant’s respiratory system does not adapt to breathing outside the womb.

Paxil and Club Foot Birth Defects

An increase in the occurrence of Club foot in those infants whose mothers took drugs like Paxil during pregnancy was discovered by researchers at Boston University and the University of Ulm, Germany.  Club foot is a condition where the bones, joints and muscles of the lower leg form with the foot facing inward.

Paxil and Spine and Brain Birth Defects

The New England Journal of Medicine published a study in 2007 showing a link between SSRI antidepressant drugs like Paxil and severe neural tube defects like spina bifida and anencephaly. These defects are caused when the brain or spine of the fetus does not fully develop. They can cause brain or nerve damage, paralysis or early death.

Paxil and Cranial Birth Defects

The New England Journal of Medicine and National Birth Defects Prevention Study of Infants published a study in 2007 indicating a link between antidepressant drugs like Paxil and Craniosynostosis.  Craniosynostosis occurs when the sutures connecting the individual skull bones fuse prematurely, causing an irregular or enlarged shape.

Paxil and Abdominal Birth Defects

The National Birth Defects Prevention Study of Infants and New England Journal of Medicine also released studies in 2007 relating antidepressants like Paxil to omphalocele. Omphalocele is an abdominal defect where the intestines and liver of the fetus develop in a sac outside the body due to late formation of the abdominal muscles.

Contact us today to for a confidential evaluation of your child’s birth defect case.  We are available 24 hours a day to answer questions and provide help.