Napoli Bern Ripka Law Firm

Plaintiffs' Personal Injury Law Firm

Paxil

Paxil (generically paroxetine) is prescribed for the treatment of depression, anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and panic disorder. Manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline, Paxil has become the most widely used SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) for treating anxiety disorders. Several studies have shown that women treated with Paxil have a higher risk of delivering a child with birth defects than women taking other antidepressant drugs.

In recent studies, Paxil has been associated with ingestion during pregnancy and birth defects. The risk of cardiovascular defects is significantly higher for babies of women taking paroxetine. Most cardiovascular defects in infants exposed to Paxil have been ventricular septal defects and other cardiovascular and pulmonary disorders, including the potentially fatal persistent pulmonary hypertension.

A ventricular septal defect occurs when the wall between the bottom chambers of the heart fail to form properly, resulting in a hole between those chambers or ventricles. Similarly, an atrial septal defect, or a hole between the two upper chambers of the heart or atria, may also occur. Both of these disorders have been linked to Paxil use.

Small ventricular or atrial septal defects typically repair themselves. However, surgery is recommended for larger septal defects to prevent future heart related diseases. In addition to this, ongoing cardiology monitoring and treatment is necessary for the remainder of the child's life.

The FDA has recently required the manufacturer to place a stronger warning on Paxil regarding pregnancy.

If you or a loved one took Paxil while pregnant, and the baby was born with any of these birth defects, contact the law firm of Napoli Bern Ripka LLP right away, as you may have a valuable legal claim.

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