Since the dawn GlaxoSmithKleine (GSK) marketed Paxil in 1992, it has generated more than $20 billion from the sales of the drug. Every year, 17 million prescriptions or more are being written for Paxil consequently making it one of the bestselling drugs in the United States. It is given to a large portion of the general population, including pregnant women; but, the risks involved in taking Paxil during pregnancy have substantiated and are now mounting.
Paxil, paroxetine hydrochloride in its generic version, was once categorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a Pregnancy Category C drug. Yet, recent studies on human have shown positive fetal risk prompting the FDA to change its pregnancy category to D. Furthermore, a relationship between
Paxil and premature birth delivery by women taking Paxil during pregnancy has also been found.
Paxil belongs to the class of antidepressant drug known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). As an SSRI, it works by increasing the level of neurotransmitters called serotonin by inhibiting reuptake or reabsorption of serotonin. Patients suffering from mood disorders like major depressive disorder (MDD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), generalized anxiety disorder and social anxiety disorder or social phobia are often treated with Paxil.
However, tough luck for Paxil came when it has been shown that pregnancy exposed to the drug could cause the developing fetus to suffer from birth defects. Severe forms of heart and lung defects and even skeletal malformations could develop within the unborn child especially if the drug is taken on the first trimester. Moreover, paroxetine drugs has been seen to further the risk of spontaneous abortion when used any time during pregnancy.
At present, it is not recommend for you to start your Paxil therapy if you are pregnant not unless the benefits outweigh the risks involved. The decision is left to your physician after carefully assessing your condition.
Whatever plans you have, for instance quitting, with regard to your Paxil therapy must first be told to your health care provider. Among the drugs of its classification, paroxetine probably has the highest rate of serious withdrawal symptoms. Also, relapse of depression or other disease is as dangerous as the teratogenic risks the drug is imposing.
Anyone who is pregnant or is planning to become pregnant should reconsider Paxil therapy.If you are pregnant or planning to be pregnant, you need to think again before starting Paxil therapy. Share your thoughts and concerns about Paxil and pregnancy so he/she would prescribe the most appropriate therapy for you.
