Paxil found to hurt pregnant women

The FDA has issued an alert about early results of new studies for Paxil (paroxetine) suggesting that the drug increases the risk for birth defects, particularly heart defects, when women take it during the first three months of pregnancy.

In October this year, FDA and GlaxoSmithKline had included the information about birth defects on a new lable. Earlier, Paxil was also found to increase risk of suicide among adults.

Paxil is approved for the treatment of depression and several other psychiatric disorders. FDA is currently gathering additional data and waiting for the final results of the recent studies in order to better understand the higher risk for birth defects that has been seen with the drug. Earlier, FDA had siezed samples of the drug due to safety concerns and the company has also been sued over Paxil.

FDA is advising not to prescribe Paxil in women who are in the first three months of pregnancy or are planning pregnancy, unless other treatment options are not appropriate. Women taking Paxil should not stop taking it without first talking with their physician.

Other antidepressants like Prozac, Concerta, Ritalin, Strattera, and Adderall have all been under the spotlight due to their side effects.