Paxil, a drug often used to treat moderate to severe depression, is a Pregnancy Category D medication. This means, basically, that it isn’t recommended for pregnant women, but that doctors can prescribe it to pregnant women if they feel the benefits for the woman outweigh the Paxil birth defects risks for the developing baby.
If you’ve read any research about Paxil and what it can do to a developing baby, you might wonder how, exactly, the medication was placed in this particular category. It potentially places developing babies at all stages of development at serious risk, and many researchers argue that it shouldn’t be used by pregnant women at all. Not only that, but many also argue that it shouldn’t even be used by women who have a chance of becoming pregnant.
Why the difference here? Well, for one thing, the Paxil side effects and Paxil birth defects that have long been known in the research community aren’t necessarily accepted by doctors at large. This has a lot to do with the fact that birth defects from this medication are somewhat rare. However, what woman would take a chance of giving her baby a birth defect, even if she knew the chance was slight?
When Paxil Affects a Baby
In many Paxil lawsuit pregnancy claims, pregnancy was unknown at first while the woman was on the medication. Most women are halfway or more through their first trimester before they even become aware of a pregnancy, and some of the worst Paxil birth defects develop during this time.
These problems can include congenital heart defects, as well as defects of the abdomen and cranium. Babies who are exposed to this medication early in their development are already starting to have hearts, heads, and bodies, which is why Paxil can have such devastating effects early in a pregnancy.
Women who are taking Paxil late in a pregnancy may also run the risk of major birth defects in their children. At this point, defects and problems may be less serious, including babies who have Paxil withdrawal symptoms when they are first born. Fetuses who are exposed to Paxil during the third trimester of development also run the risk of developing Paxil PPHN, a rare side effect that can cause major developmental delays, hearing and speech problems, and even infant death.
Paxil Lawsuit Birth Defects
Because Paxil affects a developing baby in different ways at different times of the pregnancy, it may be difficult to sort out when a birth defect is due to this medication and when it is not. If you think your baby has a Paxil birth defect, it may be time to look at hiring an experienced attorney to discuss your legal option including being part of a Paxil lawsuit birth defects claim which can help pay for your child’s special medical needs or to help your family adjust financially with ongoing care.