Paxil And Pregnancy Lawsuits

Paxil and pregnancy lawsuits continue to be filed by families affected by serious side effects. Paxil is a type of antidepressant that targets certain chemicals to balance them in the brain. It falls under the category of a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) because it keeps the chemical serotonin from being reabsorbed in the nerve cells, so it is more readily available in the brain. Researchers believe that depression is caused by an imbalance of chemicals and that serotonin is key to mood elevation. Paxil and other SSRIs like Prozac and Zoloft are believed to have fewer side effects than some of the previous generations of anti-depressants.

The side effects that SSRIs like Paxil have, however, can be very severe. While many medications may have some risk of side effects, Paxil presents some very concerning ones, especially for pregnant women and their babies.

Depending on when Paxil is taken during the pregnancy, it can affect the development of the fetus, resulting in birth defects.

When Paxil is taken during the first trimester, babies may have heart problems, such as atrial or ventricular septal defects. These defects, or holes in the wall that separates the heart chambers make the organ work harder than it should. This condition may correct itself over time, or may require surgery.

Paxil can also cause abnormalities in the development of the abdomen. As a fetus grows, the baby’s intestines may be too large for the abdomen, and may temporarily extend into the umbilical cord. During development, however, the abdomen of the fetus grows to accommodate the intestines, and they shift back inside. In some babies whose mothers have taken Paxil, however, the abdomen does not grow enough for the intestines to fit. As a result, the intestines continue to protrude into the umbilical cord. After the baby is born and the umbilical cord is cut, the intestines protrude into the naval opening. Surgery is necessary to correct this condition.

Another abnormality Paxil can cause is craniosynostosis. As a baby grows in utero, the bony plates in the head move together to form the solid piece known as the skull. Fibrous joints, or sutures, connect those bony plates. When a baby has craniosynostosis, the sutures close prematurely, endangering normal brain development and growth. A baby may have pressure in the brain and facial abnormalities.

Please contact us for a free no-obligation consultation regarding your legal rights including filing a Paxil lawsuit.