What is Paxil Cleft Lip and Palate

Paxil intake may have commonly caused malformations on the heart and lungs, it can also affect the child’s digestive tract. A cleft is a fissure or opening, the non-fusion of the body’s natural structures that form before birth.  Cleft lip occurs when the upper lip fails to close creating 2 vertical splits. Cleft palate, on the other hand, is a split or opening in the roof of the mouth (palate), which may affect the soft or hard part. There are alternatives to Paxil considered by health care providers, especially with the current study results linking Paxil and several birth defects.

A baby may have both cleft lip and palate or just one. Generally, its cause is idiopathic or unknown.  Genes and environmental situations are said to have caused the clefts. Experts also consider exposure to viruses and chemicals during pregnancy as a probable cause. It is also possible that the drugs, like antidepressants, taken by pregnant woman caused the condition. Recent studies have shown that if a woman is taking antidepressant, like Paxil, during the first trimester, the likelihood of giving birth to a child with a cleft lip and/or palate is increased.


Clefts are normally diagnosed at birth when the baby is examined physically. However, with the advent of technology, it can be determined while the baby is still inside the mother’s womb. It is important to diagnose and treat cleft lip and palate because it can cause dental problems and feeding difficulties. Orofacial cleft can also lead to ear infections which may progress to loss of hearing if not managed well. And because of the presence of the gap, the kids’ voices may take on a nasal sound, making it difficult to understand. If not corrected, this may affect the kids self confidence and social participation.


Highly individualized treatment is recommended for children with cleft lip and cleft palate, and this treatment may take years to be completed. The child may go through multiple surgeries at different stages of his development for optimum results to be achieved. With the birth defects presented, it is important for pregnant women to consult a health care provider before starting on Paxil. To validate the report on birth defects allegedly caused by Paxil, studies are being done on the extent of Paxil birth defects.

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