Paxil, otherwise known by its generic name paroxetine, is an SSRI anti-depressant. First developed by GlaxoSmithKline, and approved by the FDA in 1992, Paxil is the most potent of the SSRIs and is thought to work by acting on the brain’s neurons.  SSRIs—or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors—work by increasing the amount of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a natural substance that helps maintain mental balance.

Over the course of its history, 5,000 lawsuits have been filed against GlaxoSmithKline for the damage caused by Paxil. In 2004 GSK settled a consumer fraud lawsuit accusing it of deliberately and systematically suppressing unfavorable research results. In 2005, GSK was accused of suppressing data regarding Paxil’s effect on suicidal tendencies.

As of 2007, Paxil was the fifth-most prescribed SSRI, generating 18.1 million prescriptions and a billion dollars in sales.

Trouble with the FDA

Paxil has been associated with a long list of dangerous side effects, including: headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, fainting, and more. One of the most troubling side effects is the drug’s tendency to increase suicidal thoughts, and its addictive nature, which results in extreme withdrawal symptoms. GlaxoSmithKline has run into heavy criticism and lawsuits for its endorsement of Paxil as a “non-habit forming” drug, when evidence not only shows the contrary, but that GSK was well aware that the drug caused severe withdrawal symptoms.

Medical Consequences

The withdrawal symptoms make it extremely difficult to stop taking Paxil, even when it’s necessary to do so, as it is for pregnant women. Studies have shown an increased risk of congenital heart defects in babies born to women taking Paxil. The babies born to women taking Paxil during pregnancy were 1.5 to 1.7 times more likely to develop heart defects. Another dangerous birth defect caused by Paxil is persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN), which is a serious and life-threatening lung condition that occurs soon after birth of the newborn. These defects can be life threatening. While some correct themselves, many require expensive corrective surgery.

Doctors need to exercise extreme caution in treating depression in women who are pregnant or may become pregnant. They must carefully weigh the risks of birth defects presented by Paxil against the benefit to the mother, especially if there are less dangerous alternatives. For women already on Paxil who become pregnant, extreme caution must be taken in stopping the medication—those women were 5 times more likely to have a recurrence of depression.

Call Today for a Free Legal Consultation

If you or your child has suffered from the effects of Paxil related birth defects, submit this simple, secure form for a free and confidential evaluation to learn more about your eligibility to file a Paxil heart birth defect lawsuit. Legal action is the best way to recover the most compensation for your medical expenses and pain and suffering.