Montreal, QuebecWhile the risks involved in the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants among pregnant women have been well documented, a new study is adding miscarriage to the list of potential Paxil side effects.
The study, performed by researchers at the Universite de Montreal, followed a number of expectant mothers who had been prescribed antidepressants throughout their pregnancy. The researchers found that the usage of SSRIs, in particular paroxetine (Paxil) and venlafaxine (Effexor), led to a 68 percent increase in the risk of miscarriage.
The general risk of miscarriage for women is only 20 percent, but according to the study's head researcher, Dr. Anick Berard, the medications can push the risk up to 34 percent.
Berard claims that the study highlights the importance of following up with a doctor when taking a prescription medicine during pregnancy.
"I think this study really highlights the need for lengthy physician-patient discussion on any medication during pregnancy, but most specifically antidepressants," Berard told the Montreal Gazette. "Antidepressants have been having bad press for the last five, six years, yet today we are still seeing women who are on very risky treatments, very early on in pregnancy."
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