Paxil® Attorneys in California Work For The Smallest Victims

Today’s society has embraced the use of pharmaceutical medications like never before – a reality that has had both positive and negative consequences. While we can most certainly consider ourselves lucky to have access to life altering – and even life saving – medications, in some cases drugs are prescribed with insufficient attention given to the possible ramifications.

One such drug is Paxil® – an oft prescribed antidepressant that is used to treat depression, anxiety, and panic disorder in millions of people. Paxil® is part of a group of similar drugs known as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors – or SSRIs; a class of antidepressants that works to balance our body’s level of serotonin – the chemical that regulates our moods and response to environmental stressors.

Paxil® – like many SSRIs – has been shown to be quite effective in this regard; but, there are still side effects that must be considered, especially when it comes to taking Paxil® during pregnancy – specifically the possibility of Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension in Newborns or PPHN.

While in the womb, a baby does not utilize its lungs; instead oxygen is supplied through the umbilical cord directly from the mother’s placenta. Further, the pulmonary artery which would normally transport blood from the heart to the lungs sends the blood back to the heart utilizing a blood vessel known as the ductus arteriosus.

During the birthing process, the baby’s body is adapting second by second to changing conditions; when the newborn takes its first breath, air enters the lungs for the first time, the ductus arteriosis closes permanently, and blood begins being pumped between the heart and lungs. When a baby suffers PPHN, however, the ductus arteriosis does not close and blood does not reach the lungs. The end result is that the blood does not become oxygenated as it should.

Although a rare development, PPHN can be life-threatening for a newborn. SSRIs such as Paxil® - when taken during pregnancy - have been shown to be directly related to PPHN. This is because SSRIs can often increase pressure in blood vessels so that the ductus arteriosis is not able to close as it should.

Representing the parents of such children who have suffered PPHN due to Paxil® use are Paxil® attorneys who are experienced in negotiating the often complex world of drug side effects.

Paxil® attorneys in California work with up-to-the-minute information regarding PPHN and SSRIs. If you or someone you know live in the California area, took Paxil® during their pregnancy, and have had an experience with PPHN, be sure to seek the professional guidance of Paxil® attorneys in California who can help you explore the legal options open to you.

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