Canada certifies class action Paxil birth defects lawsuit

A Canadian woman’s Paxil lawsuit has been certified as a class action, the first in Canada for birth defects related to antidepressants. Faith Gibson alleges that drug manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline failed to warn patients and doctors that its antidepressant Paxil could increase the risks of severe birth defects after her daughter was born with a hole in her heart.

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Acupuncture may be more effective at reducing migraines than Topamax

A study conducted in Taiwanhas found that acupuncture may be more effective at reducing migraine headaches than topiramate, the active ingredient in Topamax. Topamax side effects include heart and memory complications, as well as congenital birth defects among women who use the drug while pregnant.

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Antidepressants during pregnancy carry risks, study says

According to a new review, pregnant women who take selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) -- a popular type of antidepressants -- may have a greater risk of pregnancy complications, including birth defects, pre-term birth and miscarriage.

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European regulators won’t recommend weight loss drug containing Topamax ingredient

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has recommended not to approve a new weight loss drug containing topiramate, the active drug in Topamax. The EMA expressed concerns about the long-term risks of cardiovascular problems and other side effects associated with the drug, known as Qsymia. Topamax was recently upgraded to the FDA’s Pregnancy Category D, signifying the drug has a proven risk of causing birth defects.

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Common herbicide may increase risk of birth defect

Exposure to a common herbicide may increase the risk of a rare congenital disorder, according to a new study. Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine found that exposure to atrazine – the most commonly used herbicide in the U.S. – may be linked to an increased risk of choanal atresia. Atrazine is typically used in corn crops.

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Forest Laboratories files for FDA approval of new antidepressant drug

Forest Laboratories has filed for marketing approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its new antidepressant drug levomilnacipran, which is in the same class of drugs as the antidepressant Effexor. The drugs are classified as serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).

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Montana parents suing drug company over daughter’s birth defects

The Montana parents of a baby born with a serious heart defect are suing a pharmaceutical company and others claiming that the antidepressant Effexor XR caused the defect.The lawsuit names Wyeth Pharmaceuticals Inc., Pfizer Inc., CVS Pharmacy, Caremark RX and Montana CVS Pharmacy as defendants. 

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Drug maker receives approval for generic Lexapro

Indian drug maker Lupin Pharmaceuticals has received final approval from the Food and Drug Administration to sell its generic form of the antidepressant Lexapro in the U.S. The company is among the first to receive approval.

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SSRIs among most-prescribed drugs in 2011 despite birth defect risks

Antidepressant drugs in a class known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) were among the most-prescribed drugs in 2011, despite warnings of potentially serious side effects. Celexa and Zoloft topped the list of SSRI antidepressants prescribed, which totaled more than 264 million.

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