Paxil Side Effects: Birth Injury from a Dangerous Drug

Paxil side effects can impact not only the user, but also her unborn baby. A birth injury from a dangerous drug could result in compensation. To learn if you have a case, talk with a birth injury lawyer in Elyria.

An Overview of Paxil

Paxil falls into a class of medicines called Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), antidepressants that treat a variety of conditions, most related to mental conditions and disorders. Examples include post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder and depression.

Previous alerts have been issued concerning the use of SSRIs with certain medications. They may even increase the risk of suicide. But there are also safety concerns for pregnant women.

Paxil Side Effects in Pregnant Women

Taking an SSRI while pregnant can endanger unborn babies. One potential side effect is a condition called persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN), which interrupts blood flow to the lungs and deprives the newborn of oxygen.

It is a serious, life-threatening condition that requires immediate treatment, including nitric oxide, a ventilator or medication. Symptoms generally include difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat and bluish skin color.

When there is inadequate oxygen, it can cause organ damage, most commonly to the brain. Oxygen deprivation also can be fatal.

A birth injury from a dangerous drug could lead to a doctor being held liable. For instance, if the physician failed to warn the patient of the potential side effects, a pregnant woman might not have taken it.

The manufacturer might liable as well. You would need to discuss the specifics of your case with a birth injury lawyer in Elyria.

In addition to the risk of a birth injury, those who take Paxil could be at risk of suffering serious side effects.

The following are some of the types of Paxil side effects:

• severe skin reaction;
• pain/tenderness in the bones;
• headaches;
• unusual bleeding;
• hallucinations;
• behavioral/mood changes;
• hyperactivity;
• aggressiveness;
• stiff muscles;
• nausea/vomiting;
• fainting;
• weakness; and
• confusion.

Various systems in the body could be impacted, such as the nervous system or gastrointestinal system. There could be cardiovascular complications as well.

Taking Paxil may help alleviate symptoms of depression or other mental disorders. However, the risks may outweigh the benefits, especially in women who are pregnant.

Discuss all the risks with a doctor, who should evaluate your medical history, before taking Paxil.

Seeking Compensation Stemming from a Birth Injury

The long-term effects of complications from a birth injury can leave families with escalating medical costs. The financial burden is difficult enough without the emotional toll it can take on parents.

You could be entitled to compensation that addresses medical expenses, lost wages if you are unable to work while caring for your child, pain and suffering, and more. Contacting a birth injury lawyer may be the next step you should take if you believe your newborn’s injuries were caused by Paxil side effects. Call (440) 252-4399 to talk to a birth injury attorney.