The antidepressant Paxil and its Potential birth defects

Antidepressants have been used by several women of child-bearing age. They take it for a number of reasons. It could be as a prescribed treatment for depression caused by migraine headaches or other psychological disorders. Examples of these antidepressants are Paxil, Prozac and Zoloft. These antidepressants, specifically Paxil, have been associated to cause serious birth defects in children if taken during the first trimester of the pregnancy. Paxil birth defects have long been the subject of many studies conducted by the FDA. Researches on Paxil birth defects target to find out if there is a strong ground connecting or linking the use of Paxil by a pregnant woman to birth defects seen on the child at birth. Paxil, also known as paroxetene, is a drug belonging to the group of antidepressants referred to as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). This drug has been confirmed to treat depression, obssessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder. The drug works to bar the reuptake of serotonin giving the patient a better feeling. A number of studies have been conducted on the possible side effects of Paxil especially on pregnant women. Paxil has been announced to bring about defects in babies born to women who used Paxil in the first trimester of gestation. Heart related defects were the most pronounced Paxil birth defects. According to the FDA, the most reported heart malformations were ventricular septal defects. Holes between the two main chambers of the heart indicate the existence of this kind of defect. Paxil was linked to twice as many birth defects as compared to other antidepressants, according to a recent research made by its manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) on more than 3500 pregnant women. "Babies born to mothers who have taken antidepressants, including SSRIs such as Paxil, in the third trimester of pregnancy have reported complications, including difficulties with breathing, turning blue, seizures, changing body temperature, feeding problems, vomiting, low blood sugar, floppiness, stiffness, tremor, shakiness, irritability or constant crying," the GSK wrote on its website. Feeding with the use of tubes may facilitate breathing and a longer stay in the hospital may be necessary. Premature births in pregnant women exposed to SSRIs such as Paxil, have also been announced. Prompted by the increased reports on Paxil birth defects and on the basis of the two studies conducted, the FDA asked GSK to reclassify the precautionary warning on pregnant women in the labels of Paxil. The FDA said it should be changed from category C to D. The purpose of this is to toughen the warning taking into consideration the increase of potential harm of the product to the fetus.