Paxil May cause Premature Birth
Researchers may have found yet another possible side effect linked to Paxil and other SSRI antidepressants. In May, research presented at the annual meeting of the American Psychiatric Association indicated that pregnant women taking these drugs might be at a higher risk of premature birth.
The study involved 200 pregnant women, about half of whom suffered from depression. Half of the women suffering from depression took SSRIs, including Paxil throughout pregnancy. About 23 percent of those who took SSRIs gave birth to preterm babies. Only 6 percent of women who did not have depression and didn’t take SSRIs had preterm babies.
Premature birth is associated with many serious health problems, including learning disabilities, mental retardation, and cerebral palsy. Pregnant women who are experiencing depression should work with their doctors to determine if the risk of these drugs outweigh their benefits.
