The US FDA released a warning on http://www.paxilbirthdefectlaw.com/updates/paxil-and-other-antidepressants-are-the-most-common-prescriptions-written-in-the-u-s/" title="Paxil and its connection with birth defects. A variety of birth defects were mentioned in a study done on Paxil which became one of the bases for the warning done by the FDA. A brief history of the SSRI antidepressant would tell us that it has been around for over 10 years now and the number of people prescribed has been millions.

Women with Depression

Depression affects everyone, but women have an unfair advantage as they are twice as likely to suffer from depression as men. Women’s hormones are believed to be one of the reasons why they suffer from depression. The level of hormones has an effect on the brain’s chemical balance especially during menstrual cycle. The chemical imbalance can lead to depression.

Pregnancy is another reason for hormonal fluctuations in the female body. Before, people believed that pregnant women can be protected by hormones during pregnancy but was later on proven to be false as hormones can cause depression during or after pregnancy. Post-partum depression refers to women who had depression after giving birth because of the sudden drop in hormones.

Management of Depression in Women

Antidepressants are the primary management for depression. However, women are at a disadvantage because they are more likely to suffer from the side effects of antidepressants. As stated earlier, warnings on Paxil were released by the FDA with regard to its connection with birth defects. http://www.paxilbirthdefectlaw.com/paxil-lawsuit/" target="_blank" title="Paxil birth defect lawsuits were reportedly filed because of these birth defects, some of which are serious and life-threatening. Other antidepressants were also associated with birth defects when taken by pregnant women. Pregnant women and those who would want to conceive a child are strongly advised to check with their physicians before taking the antidepressant medications; otherwise, their children might suffer from birth defects.