Can Paxil Cause Breast Cancer?

According to NBC 4, “scientists at City of Hope in Duarte found that Paxil—chemically known as paroxetine—may have a mild hormonal effect: mimicking estrogen which may play a role in the development or spread of up to 70 percent of breast cancers.”

Women with breast cancer are frequently prescribed antidepressants, such as Paxil, to help with the stress of their diagnosis.

The study shows a potential risk in taking the drug.

Other studies traced similar dangers to taking Paxil: Researchers from Canada found in a 2010 study that breast cancer patients who took Paxil with Tamoxifen were more likely to die from their disease.