Paroxetine use throughout pregnancy: does it pose any risk to the neonate?

A newborn of a SSRI-treated mother presented with lethargy, no crying, and no response to tactile stimulation. EEG findings were abnormal. Laboratory and clinical evaluations were normal. He recovered at the age of two weeks. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that has an important roll in pain modulation during fetal neurodevelopment. We suspect these symptoms are attributed to the intrauterine exposure to paroxetine, through modulation of pain signals.