Can a pregnant woman take Paxil?

The FDA has classified Paxil under the pregnancy risk category D. This category is reserved for medications that pose risks to the human fetus. Because of these possible risks, you should only use Paxil if your doctor has deemed it absolutely necessary.

What happens if you take paroxetine while pregnant?

Some studies showed that paroxetine use during the first trimester of pregnancy might increase this chance up to 2 in 100 (2%). Since some studies have found a slightly higher chance for heart defects, babies born to individuals who took paroxetine have been examined more closely after birth.

Can Paxil cause birth defects?

Paxil Linked to Twice as Many Birth Defects In a study of more than 3,500 pregnant women, Paxil was linked to twice as many major birth defects as other antidepressants, according to the FDA.

Can Paxil cause birth defects if taken by the father?

(Reuters Health) – Fathers’ use of antidepressant medications around the time mothers become pregnant does not increase babies’ risk of preterm birth, birth defects, autism or intellectual disability, according to a study in the BMJ.

How long should you be off Paxil before getting pregnant?

Pregnancy and Antidepressants: What the Experts Say Both psychiatric experts and ob-gyn experts agree that if you have mild depression and have been symptom-free for at least six months, you may be able to stop using antidepressants under a doctor’s supervision before getting pregnant or while you are pregnant.

Can Paxil cause miscarriage?

A 75% increased risk of miscarriage associated with the SSRI Paxil. A 19% increased risk of miscarriage among those who had a history of depression.

How good is paroxetine?

Paroxetine has an average rating of 6.8 out of 10 from a total of 138 ratings for the treatment of Anxiety and Stress. 62% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 23% reported a negative effect.

What pregnancy category is Paxil?

Paroxetine actually carries a category D rating from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for safety in pregnancy.

Why is Paxil Category D?

The manufacturer of Paxil, Glaxo Smith Kline, has changed the product labeling from pregnancy class C to class D, meaning that that studies in pregnant women (controlled or observational) have demonstrated a risk to the fetus. However, the benefits of therapy with Paxil may outweigh the potential risks to the fetus.

How do antidepressants affect a fetus?

It’s important for a mother and her doctor to know the risks. About 30 percent of babies whose mothers take SSRIs will experience neonatal adaptation syndrome, which can cause increased jitteriness, irritability and respiratory distress (difficulty breathing), among other symptoms.

What is the safest antidepressant for pregnancy?

Antidepressants that are considered safer include:

  • Fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem)
  • Citalopram (Celexa)
  • Sertraline (Zoloft)
  • Amitriptyline (Elavil)
  • Desipramine (Norpramin)
  • Nortriptyline (Pamelor)
  • Bupropion (Wellbutrin)

How do you know if Paxil is working?

Sleep, energy, or appetite may show some improvement within the first 1-2 weeks. Improvement in these physical symptoms can be an important early signal that the medication is working. Depressed mood and lack of interest in activities may need up to 6-8 weeks to fully improve.

Is it safe to take Paxil during pregnancy?

Generally, Paxil should only be used during pregnancy if the benefits of the medication outweigh the risks to the fetus. Your doctor will be able to determine whether using Paxil during pregnancy is right for your situation.

How does paroxetine affect the risk of birth defects?

Paroxetine (Paxil®) In every pregnancy, a woman starts out with a 3-5% chance of having a baby with a birth defect. This is called her background risk. This sheet talks about whether exposure to paroxetine may increase the risk for birth defects over that background risk.

Is it safe to take paroxetine in the first trimester?

Paroxetine actually carries a category D rating from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for safety in pregnancy. Two studies have found an association between first trimester paroxetine use and congenital malformations, notably cardiac malformations.

What are the names of the antidepressants Paxil and Aropax?

Paroxetine belongs to the class of antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs. Some brand names for paroxetine are Paxil®, Aropax® and Seroxat®. I am taking paroxetine, but I would like to stop taking it before becoming pregnant.