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Paxil, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (or SSRI), was approved for the use in treating depression and several other related adult disorders. However, Paxil possess no approved from the FDA as a treatment for children as studies have not shown that Paxil is an effective therapy children under 18.

Recently, Paxil has been found to have link with several serious and life-threatening side effects.  These include suicide tendencies, birth defects, and disturbing withdrawal symptoms in patients and infants whose mothers took Paxil during childbearing. In a study dated March 2006, data linked Paxil and other SSRIs to a new kind of birth defect. As published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the study found that infants born to mothers under SSRIs, Paxil included, in the last half of their pregnancies are of 6 times more likely prone to persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN). The condition renders infants getting not enough oxygen and requiring intensive care to survive. About 10% to 20% die soon after birth and some survivors suffer from neurological problems and deafness.

In a 2005 FDA warning, Paxil was implicated to congenital malformations. There are two studies in 2005 indicating Paxil as more likely to cause side effects among other drugs in the SSRI category. In a September 2005 study submitted to the FDA, it showed a higher risk of major congenital abnormality in infants whose mothers took Paxil within the first trimester of pregnancy compared to other SSRIs.

Moreover, the subject drug, together with all the other SSRIs, has been linked with suicide and suicidal thoughts in children, adolescents, and adult users. In an August 2005 Norwegian study, it was found that Paxil presented a higher risk of suicide in adults compared to other drugs of its class.

Paxil and other SSRI drugs are often prescribed under the American Psychiatric Association bearing the treatment guidelines – “most moderately and severely depressed patients will require medication.” The assumption was challenged, however, in another study led by Pennsylvania psychologist Robert DeRubeis and Steven Hollon from Vanderbilt. Their study concluded that cognitive therapy was as effective and lasted longer than treatment with SSRI drugs in depressed patients. It noted that most of the patients in the study took SSRIs took Paxil. Thus, it was recommended by DeRubeis and Hollon that the American Psychiatric Association make revisions on its treatment guidelines.

These data on Paxil side effects are enough reasons for Paxil users to consult with their health care provider for alternative therapies, especially those who are pregnant. But in terms of actual injuries for using Paxil, a patient may be entitled to damages. In this case, legal steps must be taken as concerns now switches from Paxil side effects to Paxil lawsuits.