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Paxil has been linked to birth defects in infants when used during pregnancy. In studies conducted in Europe and the United States, it has been discovered that Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant medications such as Paxil may result in significant health hazards if taken during pregnancy.

Identified birth defects associated with Paxil and other similar antidepressant medications include skull deformities, brain defects, spine deformities, heart defects, club foot, lung conditions and abdominal defects.

Paxil was first released in 1982. Since that time, millions of people have been prescribed and taken this medication to address the symptoms of depression. Unfortunately, the manufacturer of the medication provided no warning about the potential negative side effects and the impact this medication could have on pregnant women and their unborn children. Experts in the field have expressed deep concerns about the potential birth defects and health damage that has been suffered by children as a result of use of Paxil.

Personal injury attorneys specialize in just the kinds of health problems and damages that children experience as a result of the use of Paxil during pregnancy. A successful lawsuit can help you cope with the expenses of significant medical care, suffering, lost time and lost wages that may be the result of birth defects caused by this medication. Since time is limited to file this type of lawsuit, it is extremely important to speak with an attorney immediately so that the legal process can begin.

Heart Birth Defects

The United States FDA has previously warned that using medications such as Paxil may be connected to heart birth defects. These defects include Atrial Septal Defects (ASD) and Ventricular Septal Defects (VSD) that result in holes in the wall of the chambers of the heart.

Lung Birth Defects

A study was conducted by the University of California, San Diego which discovered a link between birth defects of the lungs and SSRI medications such as Paxil. This study indicates that children whose mothers took Paxil during pregnancy are at a 600% risk of developing Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension in Newborns (PPHN). PPHN is a condition in which the infant’s respiratory system does not adjust to breathing outside the womb after birth.

Club Foot Defects

Club foot is a birth defect in which the bones, muscles and joints of the foot turn the foot so that it is facing inward. Researchers at the University of Ulm in Germany and Boston University discovered that infants with mothers who took SSRI antidepressant medications such as Paxil who an increased level of incidences of club foot than children whose mothers did not take these medications.

Brain and Spine Birth Defects

SSRI medications have been linked to neural tube defects such as anecephaly and spina bifida since 2007. These types of defects occur when the spine or brain of a fetus does not fully develop and can result in early death, paralysis, brain or nerve damage.

Skull Birth Defects

In 2007, the New England Journal of Medicine published a research study which described a link between SSRI antidepressant medications such as Paxil and skull birth defects. This condition is called Craniosynostosis and happens when the sutures that divide an infant’s skull fuse too early. The result is an enlarged or irregular skull shape.

Paxil Lawsuits

If you took Paxil during pregnancy and have a child who was born with birth defects, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation. Please contact us today to find out what your legal options and rights are regarding your child.