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Research conducted in the United States and Europe has found that taking a type of antidepressant known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) during pregnancy significantly raises the risk of birth defects in infants. Defects of the heart, brain and abdominals, club foot, deformities of the skull and spine and certain lung conditions are just a few of the birth defects that are related to SSRIs.

Considering that the company who manufactures Paxil did not announce the risk for life-altering birth defects as a result of taking the drug during pregnancy, it is believed that more than 100 million people have used the drug since its introduction in 1992. Since the risks of taking the drug were relatively unknown, many people are concerned about the millions of children whose lives have been affected by birth defects.

Since the link between taking Paxil and birth defects in infants has been discovered, numerous attorneys have been representing families whose lives have been changed due to Paxil. If a legal claim is pursued, it is possible to receive compensation for lost wages, pain and suffering, medical bills and lost time. Since the period of time that a claim can be pursued is extremely limited, it is essential that affected families speak to an attorney as soon as possible.

It is vital that families with a child who developed birth defects after being exposed to Paxil seek more information about their legal rights and options. Only an experienced attorney can provide information about what can be expected for compensation and how to proceed with a claim. The following provides detailed information on the research conducted on Paxil and birth defects in infants.

Heart Defects

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration discovered that Paxil and other SSRIs antidepressants raise the risk of birth defects that are related to the heart, such as ventricular septal defects and atrial septal defects. Infants born with these conditions have developed holes within the chambers of the heart.

Lung Defects

A relationship between Paxil and birth defects that affect the lungs was found by researchers at the University of California at San Diego. Their research has shown that the risk of developing Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension in Newborns (PPHN) increased by more than 600 percent when Paxil is taken during pregnancy. PPHN affects the respiratory system and causes breathing difficulties for infants outside of the womb.

Club Foot

Research conducted at the University of Ulm, Germany and Boston University also found that the risk of club foot significantly increases if Paxil is taken during the course of pregnancy. This congenital abnormality causes the foot to become twisted out of normal position.

Brain and Spine Defects

A relationship between Paxil and neural tube defects including anencephaly and spina bifida was found by the New England Journal of Medicine in 2007. These birth defects occur when the spine or brain of the infant is not completely developed at birth and can cause paralysis, nerve damage and early death.

Cranial Birth Defects

Additional research performed by the National Birth Defects Prevention Study of Infants and The New England Journal of Medicine identified a link implicating craniosynostosis and Paxil. This condition develops when the joints within an infant's skull close before the brain is completely formed. This results in a misshapen head that appears enlarged.

Abdominal Birth Defects

Also in 2007, the New England Journal of Medicine and the National Birth Defects Prevention Study of Infants found a direct relationship between Paxil and omphalocele. This congenital defect causes an infant's stomach organs to protrude outside of the body as stomach muscles form late in development.

Legal Help

If you or a loved one has experienced birth defects while taking Paxil, you should contact a qualified attorney to discuss your options for compensation.