Paxil Side Effects

Having a baby is any woman’s momentous celebration. But, it is not always one where happiness brims over. According to The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists ( ACOG), depression during and after pregnancy is prevalent among women. Depression could kick in to an estimated 14%-23% of women during pregnancy and between 5%-25% after giving birth.  

Symptoms vary from woman to woman, but among the most common are feelings of anger, fear or guilt, lack of interest in the baby, change in appetite, sleep disorder, difficulty concentrating and or making decisions, and possible thoughts of harming the baby or oneself. These are symptoms that are easily passed off as hormonal imbalance that is normal in any pregnancy.

Depression is a biological illness that involves changes in brain chemistry. If not treated properly, this could progress into a condition that would negatively affect both the mother and the baby. If disregarded, it may lead to more serious problems for both the mother and the baby. Studies revealed that depressed women are prone to smoking and taking drugs. Moreover, severe depression during pregnancy is associated with preeclampsia, premature birth, and low birth weight. Studies revealed that untreated maternal depression produced negative effects on an infant’s cognitive, neurologic, and motor skill development, and can also negatively impact mental health and behavior of older children.

Treatment of depression primarily involves psychotherapy and antidepressants. However, other forms of treatment such as bright morning light therapy, acupuncture, and exercise are being considered to expand therapeutic options. Screening of expecting women for depressive ailments is considered important by ACOG to ensure the safety and well-being of  both the mother and her baby.

Most pregnant women prefer a non-drug treatment option for their depression, though they are at times, made to choose the lesser of two evils. Should they gamble on the possibility of birth defects and take antidepressants? Or would it be more beneficial to her and the baby if she takes the drug medication? Medical professionals put the overall risk of taking antidepressants during pregnancy as low especially when weighed against the potential dangers of a major depression if left untreated.

Various research and studies abound regarding the efficacy and safety of antidepressants. And questions have been asked whether the benefits of these drugs outweigh their side effects. Mitchell Mathis, M.D., deputy director of the Division of Psychiatry Products at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said that approximately 60 to 70 percent among patients respond to the first antidepressant prescribed to them. Certain antidepressants though pose serious risks to pregnant women. FDA released a consumer update against the use of Paxil during pregnancy. The advisory was issued due to positive evidence of Paxil birth defects which triggered the agency to change the drug’s risk category from C to D.

 

URL References

http://www.acog.org/About_ACOG/News_Room/News_Releases/2010/Perinatal_and_Postpartum_Depression_a_Top_Priority

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/antidepressants/DN00007

http://www.fda.gov/forconsumers/consumerupdates/ucm095980.htm