The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) issued a Public Health Advisory in December of 2005 that warned doctors and patients of the potential for Paxil (paroxetine) to cause an increased risk of congenital heart defects in infants due to exposure to Paxil in the womb. This FDA advisory was based upon two separate studies conducted by Swedish and U.S. researchers. Congenital heart defects are just one of the serious birth defects which may result from a woman taking Paxil or other SSRI antidepressants while pregnant.

Paxil Heart Defects

The most common forms of heart defects which may be linked to Paxil include atrial septal defects (ASD) or ventricular septal defects (VSD). These are holes in the walls of the chambers of the heart. Congenital heart defects are treatable when they are caught in time, and your child may then be able to lead a normal, productive life with few related problems. Other known heart defects are: hypoplastic left/right heart syndrome, transposition of the great arteries, patent ductus arteriosus, total anomalous pulmonary venous return, and coarctation of the aorta.

Paxil Birth Defects

There are multiple birth defects associated with Paxil, these include:

  • Heart defects
  • Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN)
  • Omphalocele (an abdominal birth defect)
  • Hydrocephalus (water on the brain)
  • Craniosynostosis (causes the head to be misshapen)
  • Clubfoot
  • Anencephely (brain defects)
  • Neural Tube Defects (Spina Bifida)
  • Cleft Lip
  • Cleft Palate

Speak to a Paxil Lawyer

If you took Paxil or Paxil CR during pregnancy and your child was born with a birth defect, we encourage you to contact a Paxil litigation attorney at our law firm immediately. It may be too late to recover from the debilitating effects of Paxil, but an experienced product liability attorney can assist you in a legal action against the makers of Paxil. You are not alone. Join other birth defect victims and their families in speaking up and fighting for their legal rights.

Please fill out our free legal evaluation form on the far right and we will call or e-mail you back within 24 hours. Please keep in mind that certain states have a statute of limitations that limits the amount of time you have to file a lawsuit or seek legal action. Contact our law firm immediately so we may explain the rights and options available to you and your family.