The Center for Disease Control is working to raise awareness about the potential risk of antidepressant use during pregnancy.

Paxil is a commonly prescribed antidepressants. When prescribed to pregnant women, however, Paxil can cause birth defects affecting the heart and lungs. The Food and Drug Administration reports that pregnant women taking Paxil are more likely to give birth to babies with Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN).

PPHN causes abnormal blood flow through the heart and lungs. Organs and tissue receive insufficient oxygen, and severe symptoms result which can lead to death. 1 or 2 babies per 1000 born in the U.S. develop PPHN, often requiring intensive medical care.

Some of the symptoms reported include:

  • Cardiac defects
  • Pulmonary defects
  • Brain
  • Spinal cord defects
  • Abnormally shaped skull
  • Abdominal wall defects
  • Club feet
  • Anal atresia

Atrial and ventricular septal defects, or holes in the heart wall, can also develop. The defect may be minor, requiring no treatment, or severe, with life-threatening symptoms that must immediately be surgically repaired.

If you are pregnant or may become pregnant, and currently taking or considering taking Paxil, talk to your medical professional. Other antidepressants that may cause birth defects include Celexa, Effexor, Lexapro, Prozac, and Symbyax.

The Yost Legal Group Can Help

If your child was born with heart or lung birth defects because you took Paxil, or another antidepressant during pregnancy, The Yost Legal Group can help. We focus on obtaining the maximum recovery possible, working with medical professionals and partnering with experts in other fields to effectively utilize their talents. We believe in protecting your rights and are willing to risk our financial resources in your fight against negligent corporations.

The Yost Legal Group has successfully represented numerous women whose children have developed heart and lung birth defects due to the use of antidepressants. In Baltimore, Maryland, The Yost Legal Group is the antidepressant birth defect law firm that victims in the community contact when they are serious about getting the help they need.

Free consultation: Call 1-800-YOST LAW or complete the contact form below to learn more about how we can help.