Risks Associated with the Anti-Depressant Paxil
About 17 million people have been treated with Paxil for depression, panic disorder, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and compulsive behavior. This has led researchers to conduct studies on the side effects of Paxil. We now know that many side effects are linked to the anti-depressant Paxil and the Food and Drug Administration has issued warnings regarding these risks.
The risks associated with Paxil include:
- Violence in children and teens
- Suicide ideation and suicide in children and teens
- Increased suicide risk in young adults 18 to 30
- Birth defects if taken during pregnancy
- Increased risk of death for patients with coronary artery disease
- Withdrawal symptoms
Birth Defects
The anti-depressant Paxil may also increase birth defects including the risk of heart defects. The following birth defects may be linked to Paxil taken by the mother during pregnancy:
- Down’s Syndrome
- Congenital heart problems
- Limb malformations (particularly the babies feet being turned inward and downward)
- Cleft lip
- Cleft palate
- Spinal bifida
- Blindness
- Hernia
If you were taking Paxil during your pregnancy and your child was born with a birth defect. Contact a defective drug law firm from this website to discuss a lawsuit.
Withdrawal symptoms
If you miss a dose of your prescribed Paxil, you may experience severe withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms include, but are not limited to:
- Flu-like symptoms
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Hallucinations
- Hyper-sensitivity to light
- Severe agitation
- Paranoia
- Aggressive Behavior
A defective drug law firm may help you if you have experienced any of these symptoms as a result of taking Paxil. Contact a defective drug law firm near you for help.
Other SSRI Drugs
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI) are often used to treat depression. Paxil along with other SSRI medications have increased risk for negative side effects, especially for pregnant women. The SSRI Prozac has many of the same increased risks as Paxil. SSRI medications that may be linked with birth defects include: Paxil, Prozac, Celexa, Lexapro, and Zoloft.