Are there birth defects associated with Paxil?
” Researchers have found that taking Paxil in the first three months of pregnancy can increase the risk of birth defects, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said in a December 2005 news release. “FDA is advising patients that this drug should usually not be taken during pregnancy, but for some women who have already been taking Paxil, the benefits of continuing may be greater than the potential risk to the fetus,” the agency said. The FDA recommends that expectant mothers who are taking — or considering taking — Paxil and similar antidepressants discuss with their doctors the potential risks and benefits. In September 2005 the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) of Australia led the way and issued a warning about the potential for increased birth defects in the babies of pregnant women taking the anti-depressant Paroxetine (Paxil). Early results from pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline suggest an association between taking the drug in the first three months of pregnancy and bi
