(NaturalHealth365)  False advertising and deceptive promotion can have deadly consequences.  However, Big Pharma appears to be acting outside the law, regardless of the costs.  That appears to be the case with manufacturers of the antidepressants Lexapro and Paxil.

Mothers of babies born with birth defects have filed numerous lawsuits against Forest Laboratories, the manufacturer of Lexapro, alleging failure to warn of potential risks to their unborn children.  Meanwhile, class action lawsuits against Paxil’s parent company, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), have resulted in significant financial settlements.  Both companies were aware of the risks associated with these antidepressants but failed to warn consumers adequately.

Big Pharma’s assault on the most vulnerable victims

The dangers of Lexapro are well documented.  The chemicals it contains can travel through the placenta, putting both the unborn baby and mother at risk for serious complications, even death.

No surprise: Paxil shares a similar reputation.  An extensive list of life-endangering and debilitating side effects were reported during Paxil lawsuit cases, with birth defects the most common type of problem reported.  In fact, research has shown Paxil is twice as likely to cause birth defects as any other antidepressant on the market.  There have also been reports of babies born with dependency on Paxil.

Both antidepressants have been linked to an extensive list of serious and deadly birth defects, including:

• Septal heart defects
• Pulmonary hypertension of newborn (PPHN)
• Anencephaly, a fatal neural tube disorder
• Underdeveloped or missing parts of the skull
• Spina bifida
• Pulmonary stenosis
• Pulmonary atresia
• Cleft lip or cleft palate
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Scoliosis
• Malformed limbs

Big Pharma’s money over safety problem

The story of how drug companies keep putting profits above people’s health boils down to shady business moves, questionable FDA decisions, and the fact that these companies rarely face real consequences.

Antidepressants are only two of countless examples.  Both manufacturers knew about the risks to pregnant women but didn’t properly warn them.  Lexapro got a mediocre “C” safety grade from the FDA after it harmed animals in lab tests.  Meanwhile, Paxil was flagged with over 40 warnings from seven different countries – basically becoming infamous worldwide as a dangerous drug.

These companies have crossed serious ethical lines.  GlaxoSmithKline marketed Paxil to kids without FDA approval, claiming it was “safe and effective” without securing indication for patients under 18.  Forest Laboratories apparently hid crucial information about birth defect risks from the public.

While GlaxoSmithKline has put aside $3 billion for lawsuits, that’s just a drop in the bucket compared to what they made while these dangerous antidepressants were being taken by unsuspecting patients – including pregnant women who had no idea of the real risks.

Natural ways to support your mood during pregnancy

Many women have found several natural approaches that help manage mood without antidepressants.

Therapy has been a lifeline for countless expectant mothers. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) sessions teach you to recognize and redirect negative thought patterns.  It takes practice, but it really helps.  Many women also find prenatal yoga classes provide valuable breathing techniques that become go-to tools for anxiety moments.

What you eat definitely affects your mood.  Try eating a few ounces of wild salmon, twice a week, for those essential fatty acids, and keep organic, pasture-raised hard-boiled eggs in the fridge for quick protein and B vitamins.  Some doctors suggest magnesium supplements, but many women prefer getting it from food – spinach salads and almond butter on celery are popular choices.

For immediate relief, many pregnant women keep lavender oil by their bedside.  A few drops on a pillow or in a warm bath works wonders for sleep.  Chamomile tea is soothing, although some holistic doctors may suggest a limit of 1 – 2 cups per day.

Walking has saved many women’s sanity during pregnancy.  Even on tough days, a 20-minute walk around the neighborhood can positively shift your brain in the right direction.  Nothing intense – just moving outside in the fresh air.

Don’t try to ‘tough this out’ alone.  Online groups of pregnant women dealing with similar issues provide comfort, especially during those sleepless nights.

Talk to your holistic doctor about what might work for your specific situation.  What helps one woman might not be perfect for another, but there are definitely ways to support mental health naturally during pregnancy.

Sources for this article include:

NIH.gov