The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an alert to physicians and patients warning of potential risks of birth defects resulting from the use Paxil, a drug prescribed for depression and several other psychiatric disorders. According to an FDA press release, early results of new studies for Paxil (paroxetine) suggest that use of the drug increases the risk for birth defects, particularly heart defects, when women take it during the first three months of pregnancy.

"FDA is advising patients that this drug should usually not be taken during pregnancy, but for some women who have already been taking Paxil, the benefits of continuing may be greater than the potential risk to the fetus. Women taking Paxil who are pregnant or plan to become pregnant should talk to their physicians about the potential risks of taking the drug during pregnancy. Women taking Paxil should not stop taking it without first talking with their physician." [More details from FDA]

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