Paxil is an anti-depressant drug that can lead to suicidal thoughts when consumption is stopped. The drug, which used as a treatment for anxiety, panic, obsessive compulsive disorder, and post traumatic stress disorder, has also been linked to violence in children and teenagers. This led the FDA in 2004 to issue a warning indicating the drug’s serious side effects. Patients with coronary artery disease may have a higher risk of death.

The FDA recently completed a bulk evaluation of 372 studies involving approximately 100,000 patients and 11 antidepressants, including Lexapro, Zoloft, Prozac and Paxil. When the results are analyzed by age, it becomes clear there is an elevated risk for suicidal thoughts and behavior among adults 18 to 25 that approaches that seen in children, the FDA said in documents released before their scheduled December 13, 2006 meeting of its psychopharmacologic drugs advisory committee.

A new study has also found that consumption of Paxil by pregnant women may cause fetuses to develop heart defects. The results of this study have led the FDA to ask manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline to classify the drug as a “Category D” for women. This classification means that studies in pregnant women have shown a risk to the fetus. The FDA is also advising doctors not to prescribe Paxil to women in their first three months of pregnancy or people who are planning to become pregnant, unless there are no other options.

If you or a loved one has taken Paxil and suffered side effects, please contact the lawyers of The Ferraro Law Firm at 1-800-275-3332 or via e-mail for a Free Case Evaluation.

Important Links:

FDA Drug Overview – Paxil

Mayo Clinic – Paxil (Paroxetine) Drug Information