This appeared in USA Today today:
The Food and Drug Administration is warning that a study has suggested that the antidepressant Paxil might be associated with birth defects. Paxil’s manufacturer, GlaxoSmithKline, said it would include the results of the study in the drug’s list of of precautions. A retrospective study found increased numbers of babies born with birth defects to women who were taking Paxil during the first trimester of pregnancy when compared with women on other antidepressants, according to the FDA and the company. This included an increase in heart defects, according to a letter from GlaxoSmithKline to health care professionals.
This is important information, but of course I don’t want to freak out those women who may be on this medication and pregnant. If you are, just call your OB and discuss your options. Note, it doesn’t say this definitely causes birth defects, but is associated with a higher risk.
I have read over and over to avoid Paxil and Prozac during pregnancy if possible. At the PSI conference, I learned about how they measure the drug in blood serum. Even though a few instances of birth defects have been found with both drugs, the chances are still very slim. So – if you're taking either Paxil or Prozac and you're pregnant or breastfeeding, don't panic. It's just something you need to discuss with your healthcare provider. I know that some people will ONLY respond to Paxil or Prozac, so that's when the risk/benefit assessment is extra important.