Paxil and Pregnancy

From Pharmacy Drug Guide

Paxil, a brand name for the generic paroxetine, is a psychotropic prescription medication within a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI).^[1] Marketed by GlaxoSmithKline, Paxil is generally prescribed for the treatment of major depressive disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder (PD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder.^[2]

Paxil is generally not recommended for use during pregnancy as it may cause significant harm to an unborn baby.^[4] However, patients may relapse into depression if they stop taking Paxil as prescribed by a doctor. Patients should discuss any plans to become pregnant with their health care provider. Patients who do become pregnant while taking Paxil should not stop the medication without discussing it with their doctor.^[1]

Paxil and Pregnancy Category D

Paxil has been classified by the United States Food and Drug Administration as a Pregnancy Category D medication because it has been proven to cause health risks to a developing fetus.^[3] Research suggests that taking Paxil during the first three months of pregnancy may cause heart problems in the unborn baby that range from minor and self-correcting to more severe defects that require surgery to correct.^[5] Taking Paxil during the final three months of pregnancy may cause additional side effects such as general irritability due to withdrawal from the medication, seizures or persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN), a serious and life-threatening lung condition.^[6]

While Paxil is not recommended for use during pregnancy, a Category D medication may be given to a pregnant woman if the health care provider determines that its benefits outweigh the possible risks to the unborn child. These instances may include prescribing it to women with severe depression who do not respond to other types of antidepressants. It is important to discuss options with a doctor as stopping use of antidepressants too suddenly may trigger withdrawal as well as depression recurrence.^[7]

Paxil and Breastfeeding

While Paxil is excreted into breast milk, there are no documented reports of adverse effects on a nursing infant.^[8] In most cases, it is thought that the benefits of breastfeeding outweigh any possible risks of the medication. Exceptions to nursing in conjunction with taking Paxil may be made when the infant is either premature or exhibits signs of hepatic immaturity. Discuss any potential side effects and concerns with a doctor prior to beginning breastfeeding.

Also See: Paxil Coupons, Paxil Side Effects, Trazodone and Pregnancy, Tylenol and Pregnancy, Lexapro Coupons, Zoloft Coupons, Drug Side Effects, Marijuana and Pregnancy

References

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1 1.2} http://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=65ee7ef8-cc68-41d1-cc8b-c01a056409a9
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1} http://us.gsk.com/products/assets/us_paxil.pdf
3. ↑ ^{3.0 3.1} http://anxiety.emedtv.com/paxil/paxil-and-pregnancy.html
4. ↑ ^{4.0 4.1} http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-32900-Paxil+CR+Oral.aspx?drugid=32900&drugname=Paxil+CR+Oral
5. ↑ http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=57323
6. ↑ http://www.gsk.com/media/paroxetine/mi_letter_paroxetine_pregnancy.pdf
7. ↑ http://www.health.harvard.edu/press_releases/antidepressants_pregnancy
8. ↑ http://www.womensmentalhealth.org/posts/ask-the-experts-can-paxil-paroxetine-be-used-while-breastfeeding/