The Mulligan Law Firm Is Investigating Injury Claims Involving Paxil And SSRI Antidepressants And Their Potential Link To Birth Defects

The Mulligan Law Firm is a national law firm located in Dallas, Texas, providing information and resources for injured individuals and their families in all 50 states. The firm has successfully resolved over $600,000,000 in claims for its clients since 1995.

The Mulligan Law Firm is currently investigating injury claims involving the possible role of Paxil® and SSRI antidepressants in infant Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension (PPHN) and other birth defects. Anyone prescribed Paxil or another SSRI whose baby has PPHN or other birth defects should consult with a legal professional immediately. t

The Mulligan Law Firm takes all cases on a contingency-fee basis, which means the prospective client does not pay for our services unless an award or compensation is received.

A public health advisory was issued by the FDA on December 8, 2005, based on reports that taking Paxil during the first trimester of pregnancy could possibly increase the risk of heart defects.

Since the FDA health advisory, it is alleged that Paxil and other SSRI drugs may cause other birth defects, including defects of heart, lung, brain or body. It is important to note that several of these defects are alleged to have been reported in connection with other SSRI antidepressants also: Prozac, Zoloft, Lexapro, Celexa, Effexor and Symbyax.

A second study cited by the FDA was published in the New England Journal of Medicine on February 9, 2006. It reports that babies whose mothers took SSRI antidepressants after the 20th week of pregnancy were six times more likely to develop PPHN. PPHN (Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension) is a life-threatening condition where the infant's lungs fail to make the normal transition after birth.

Babies born with PPHN (Persistent pulmonary hypertension) are not able to get enough oxygen into their blood because of high blood pressure in the lung blood vessels. A circulatory transition that normally takes place after birth never happens. Statistically, 1 to 2 babies per 1000 born in the United States develop PPHN, and require critical care.

About Paxil and the SSRI Class of Drugs

Paxil (Paroxetine) is in the SSRI class of pharmaceuticals. Released in 1992 by GlaxoSmithKline, the drug is used to treat major depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic, and anxiety disorders in adults.

SSRI is an acronym for Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor. Simply put, it means that this class of drugs increases the amount of Serotonin available to the brain, balancing the patient's serotonin level. Serotonin is a naturally occurring brain chemical that assists in the regulation and improvement of mood. It is used primarily in the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders.

SSRIs are the most widely prescribed antidepressants in many countries. Some commonly prescribed SSRIs are Paxil, Prozac®, Zoloft®, Lexapro®, Celexa®, Effexor® and Symbyax®.

Consult with your physician before you stop taking any medications, including Paxil or any other SSRI antidepressant.

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