Distributed by GlaxoSmithKline, Paxil is one of the worlds most popular antidepressants. Having been introduced into the markets in 1992, the
FDA approved Paxil for treatment for major depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety, and generalized anxiety disorder in adult outpatients.
According to its prescribing information however, Paxil carries with it a warning concerning pregnancy and potential birth defects.It is stated on Paxils prescribing information: "epidemiological studies have shown that infants born to women who had first trimester Paxil exposure had an increased risk of cardiovascular malformations, primarily ventricular and atrial septal defects (VSDs and ASDs). If a patient becomes pregnant while taking Paxil, she should be advised of the potential harm to the fetus. Unless the benefits of Paxil to the mother justify continuing treatment, consideration should be given to either discontinuing paroxetine therapy or switching to another antidepressant. For women who intend to become pregnant or are in their first trimester of pregnancy, paroxetine should only be initiated after consideration of the other available treatment options.
A study was performed in 2010 using date from the Swedish Medical Birth Register (MBR) from July 1, 1995 up to July, 2007 to identify women who reported the use of antidepressants in early pregnancy or were prescribed antidepressants during pregnancy by antenatal care: a total of 14 821 women with 15 017 infants. What was recording during the study were maternal characteristics, maternal delivery diagnoses, infant neonatal diagnoses and the presence of congenital malformations were compared with all other women who gave birth, using the MantelHaenszel technique and with adjustments for certain characteristics. The results of the study showed that there was an association between antidepressant treatment and pre-existing diabetes and chronic hypertension and also with many pregnancy complications; however it is not clear how much of this is due to drug use or underlying pathology.
There are studies that have shown that Paxil is more likely to cause Paxil Birth Defects during the first trimester of pregnancy.If you feel that your signs and symptoms are not being helped by your current antidepressant and you would like to start using Paxil, consult with your doctor first.
