Paxil and Pregnancy: A Toxic Combination

Pregnant women and those who plan to become pregnant are at an increased risk of having babies born with certain birth defects if they are taking the anti-depressant Paxil during their first three months of pregnancy.

These warnings come from the FDA (US Food and Drug Administration), Health Canada, and the drug maker GlaxoSmithKline. GSK is the manufacturer of Paxil, or paroxetine, the most commonly used anti-depressant among the pregnant women included in a study from Quebec, Canada.

This study included all pregnancies in Quebec between January 1, 1997, through June 30, 2003.

The study found that pregnant "women who took more than 25 mg of Paxil a day during the first trimester of pregnancy were an increased risk of having an infant with major congenital malformations...or major cardiac malformations."

So, if you are, or someone you love is, considering becoming pregnant and is currently taking the prescription drug Paxil for depression, consult your health care professional about alternative methods of controlling your depression while you attempt to conceive, and during your first three months of pregnancy, at least.

Go to the Holistic Intent Website for more information on holistic and natural methods of controlling depression.

The pages on Meditation and Self-Hypnosis might be helpful.

Best Wishes,
~liz