When an individual takes medication that is supposed to help them find hope and happiness, they expect it to do that. In fact, many individuals who have been prescribed the drug Paxil have found themselves in worse positions after they began treatment.
Paxil is a prescription drug that may be used to treat depression. Although there are numerous side effects of Paxil that may affect any patient physically, emotionally, and psychologically, it may be even more dangerous when it is prescribed to children and adolescents.
Paxil may be prescribed to treat:
- Panic attacks;
- Social anxiety disorder;
- Depression;
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder; and
- Post-traumatic stress disorder.
It is in a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline.
Paxil was designed to boost serotonin levels in an individual’s brain. Mental health professionals usually prescribe paxil as well as other SSRIs for:
- Depression;
- Social anxiety disorder;
- Panic disorder;
- Generalized anxiety disorder;
- PTSD;
- Obsessive compulsive disorder;
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder; and
- Other mental health disorders.
In addition to the FDA-approved uses, Paxil may also be prescribed off-label to treat other conditions, including:
- Chronic headaches;
- Diabetes-induced tingling in limbs; and
- Sexual dysfunction.
Paxil is a medication that is widely used. However, it is associated with certain dangers and side effects. There have been numerous lawsuits filed since drug companies failed to adequately warn about these side effects and individuals were unexpectedly harmed as a result of taking the drug.
If an individual experienced one of the potentially serious side effects of the drug, they should consult with a personal injury lawyer. Critics of the drug argue that these types of situations could have been avoided if the manufacturer of Paxil had provided full disclosure regarding all of the risks and potential side effects. Paxil now faces numerous lawsuits and claims from injured patients.
A Paxil attorney who can help an individual who has been injured by the drug.
Is Paxil Dangerous?
Although there are numerous side effects of Paxil that may affect any patient physically, emotionally, and psychologically, it may be even more dangerous when prescribed to children and adolescents.
What Are the Side Effects of Taking Paxil?
There are numerous reported side effects of taking Paxil that range from mild to very severe. The possible side effects an individual may experience while taking Paxil include, but are not limited to:
- Drowsiness;
- Asthenia, or the lack of physical strength;
- Tremors;
- Nervousness;
- Dizziness;
- Insomnia;
- Profuse sweating;
- Ejaculatory delay;
- Weight loss;
- Traumatic bone fractures;
- Akinesia, or temporary and painful muscle paralysis;
- Mania; and
- Paranoia.
How Dangerous Are the Psychological Side Effects of Paxil?
The side effects of taking paxil may be very dangerous. A patient may experience a violent outburst or suicidal thoughts and tendencies.
Intense psychological effects may occur even after only a few days taking Paxil or within a few days of the increase in dosage.
Why May Paxil Be More Dangerous for Children?
Studies have recently shown that children who are treated with Paxil are three times more likely to have suicidal thoughts as compared to children who were treated with a placebo. In addition, clinical trials suggest that Paxil is not an effective treatment for Major Depressive Disorder in children.
What Is the Status of the Drug?
According to the Federal Drug Administration (FDA), Paxil increases the risk of depression, suicidal tendencies, as well as suicidal behaviors. Paxil’s manufacturer, together with the FDA, issued a strong warning on the packaging of Paxil listing some of the more serious side effects.
What Are the Warnings Issued by Paxil’s Manufacturer?
Paxil, or paroxetine hydrochloride, was released by its manufacturer, GlaxoSmithKline, in 1992. As a result of using this medication, serotonin is said to be increased in the brain.
Because serotonin is associated with feelings of well-being and is believed to be deficient in individuals who suffer from depression or other similar mental health conditions, Paxil is usually prescribed to patients who suffer from these types of potentially debilitating health conditions.
However, since being released, the maker of the drug has received many complaints regarding some extremely serious side effects. These side effects, in some cases, have been linked to deaths and other consequences, including, but not limited to:
- Increased violent behavior;
- Withdrawal symptoms;
- Birth defects;
- A rise in suicidal thoughts;
- Worsening of depressive and anxiety symptoms; and
- Ineffective use in children.
Research on SSRIs, including Paxil, is limited. Much of what is known about the drug comes from patients who have experienced these negative side effects during their treatment with Paxil.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recognized some of these noted side effects and has issued warnings in regards to increases in certain issues among individuals who take Paxil, including:
- Instances of birth defects;
- Increased suicidal thoughts; and
- Increase in violent behaviors.
Physicians have been urged to be vigilant when they are prescribing the drug and to inform their patients of its side effects. An individual should see their doctor if they have experienced serious health problems after taking Paxil.
Should I Stop Taking Paxil?
If an individual is experiencing side effects from taking Paxil, they should not stop taking the drug or decrease their dosage unless they are directed to do so by a doctor. The side effects of Paxil may be temporarily relieved by stopping use of the medication.
However, Paxil withdrawal symptoms are often worse than the Paxil side effects. Paxil withdrawal side effects may be so serious that a patient may be required to stay on the drug.
There have been cases involving severe withdrawal symptoms where patients were not warned before beginning a Paxil treatment course. The side effects of this medication have led to multiple lawsuits being filed by patients against GlaxoSmithKline in order to to hold the company responsible for the harm they suffered while taking the antidepressant medication.
An individual may be entitled to compensation if they took Paxil and suffered illness as a result. It may be possible to join a class action lawsuit or file an individual lawsuit.
A personal injury lawyer can help an individual determine which option is best for them.
Can the Manufacturer be Held Liable?
Yes, a manufacturer may be held liable for a defective product, including a defective or dangerous drug. GlaxoSmithKline may be held liable for Paxil-related issues if the drug caused serious, unexpected, or surprising side effects.
Side effects that have been associated with Paxil which have led to lawsuits in recent years. This includes lawsuits involving the use of Paxil and congenital heart defects and lawsuits brought by family members of individuals who committed suicide while taking Paxil.
Some mothers who were taking Paxil gave birth to babies that had various issues, including ventricular and atrial septal defects. The FDA warned of the link between Paxil and birth defects in December of 2005.
Lawsuits brought by family members of individuals who committed suicide while taking the drug claim that there is a link between Paxil and suicide and claim Paxil failed to warn that taking the medication would increase suicidal thoughts and behavior. The FDA issued a warning in 2007 about the link between antidepressants and suicidal thoughts in young individuals.
A products liability attorney can provide an individual with more information on these issues and the possibility of compensation.
Should I Consult a Lawyer if I Have Taken Paxil?
If you or a loved one have suffered from Paxil side effects, it is important to see your doctor immediately. If you believe that you have been injured by the side effects of Paxil, you should consult with a product liability lawyer who is experienced in handling unsafe drug cases.
Your legal rights and the ability to receive compensation depend upon you contacting an attorney within a timely manner after you have discovered that you are suffering from Paxil side effects. If your child was prescribed Paxil for depression, you also may be entitled to compensation.
You should contact a class action lawsuit attorney as soon as possible to learn about your rights and determine if you could be a member of a class action lawsuit against the makers of Paxil.
