Produced by GlaxoSmithKline, Paxil (generically paroxetine) is an anti-depressant pill that has been FDA approved since 1992. Along with being prescribed in the treatment of depression, Paxil may also be used to treat anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
For optimal results (and to minimize potentially serious side effects), patients should only take Paxil as directed at the same time daily. It can take up to one month before patients start noticing improvements from taking Paxil.
How Paxil Causes Birth Defects
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies Paxil in category D because, when pregnant mothers take this medication during pregnancy, it can cause newborns to have heart defects or severe, potentially fatal lung conditions. Women who become pregnant while on Paxil, as well as Paxil patients who are trying to get pregnant, should talk to their doctor before they discontinue use of Paxil.
It’s also important to note that Paxil can pass through a mother’s breast milk, thereby seriously injuring newborns. Nursing mothers should not take Paxil, unless otherwise instructed by their doctor.
Other Paxil Side Effects
Birth defects are not the only serious side effect associated with taking Paxil. Other rare but life-threatening Paxil side effects may include:
- Aggression
- Anxiety
- Hallucinations
- Insomnia
- Mania
- Mood swings
- Panic attacks
- Severe restlessness
- Suicidal thoughts and/or behaviors (This side effect is most likely to affect patients younger than 24 years old, as well as those with a history of bipolar disorder)
It’s vital that Paxil patients are aware of the symptoms of these side effects so they know when to seek emergency medical care. The earlier that Paxil side effects are diagnosed and treated, the less likely patients will sustain irreversible damage to their health.
Compensation for Paxil Injuries
If you or someone you love has suffered a Paxil-related injury or death, contact Gacovino, Lake and Associates for legal assistance. Our defective drug lawyers have extensive experience in handling cases involving dangerous drugs and can help you and your family recover the compensation that you deserve.
