In 2008, a team of Dutch researchers led by D.L. Van den Hove published a study in Neonatology titled “Prenatal maternal paroxetine treatment and neonatal mortality in the rat: a preliminary study.” evaluating the perinatal effects of gestational exposure to Paxil (paroxetine).
These researchers write, “Recent evidence has shown that prenatal maternal stress has negative consequences for the mental health of the adult organism. Our aim was to examine the efficacy of using the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, paroxetine, to alleviate the symptoms of prenatal maternal stress in Fisher 344 rats.”
Subjecting pregnant rats to daily stress and Paxil treatment during the last week of pregnancy, the team found that “Maternal paroxetine treatment led to a shortened gestational length, reduced birth weight and a 10-fold rise in neonatal mortality in both stressed and non-stressed litters.”
Accordingly, the team concluded that “These results reiterate the need for further research on the effects of paroxetine treatment during gestation.”
Unfortunately, many women have used Paxil during pregnancy unaware of these risks, and a number of Paxil® birth defect lawsuits have been filed as a result. If you or a loved one used Paxil and gave birth to a child with a congenital malformation, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation. For a free, no-obligation case consultation, contact our team of Paxil® birth defects lawyers at the information provided below. We have the experience, resources, and skills required to win the justice you deserve. Call today and see how we can help.
(855) 452 – 5529
Our SSRI Birth Defects Lawsuit Information page is a great place to start if you have any questions about SSRIs and Birth Defects.