New safety information regarding Paxil (paroxetine

An U.S. epidemiologic study and a Swedish study both find a 1.5 to 2-fold increase in cardiac malformations in infants exposed to paroxetine (as compared to other antidepressants). Maker of Paxil, GlaxoSmithKline, now recommends that if a patient becomes pregnant while taking paroxetine, she should be informed of the increased risk to the fetus. Consideration should be given to switching to other treatment options, including another antidepressant or non-pharmaceutical treatment such as cognitive behavioural therapy.