Dangers of Zoloft

Many people are seriously injured and die each year from adverse reactions and side effects associated with prescription medications. Drug manufacturers are legally responsible for marketing medications that are safe to use, and the Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) is the federal agency that is responsible for assessing the safety and effectiveness of prescription drugs before they are sold to the public.

However, even FDA approved drugs may still cause harmful side effects that are not identified during the approval process. Additionally, harmful effects can result from errors in the administration of medications; or, if a person is taking more than one medication at a time, from the interaction of drugs in the body.

If a person is injured because of a prescription medication, they may need to file a prescription drug lawsuit. This can help them obtain compensation from healthcare providers or the pharmaceutical manufacturer of the drug.

A high alert drug or medication (“HAM”) is a medication that carries an increased risk of causing significant harm if it is used in a way other than exactly as prescribed. These high-alert medications are considered to be dangerous because small changes in the dose that is given, or levels of the drug in a person’s blood, can lead to critical events. Adverse events caused by error in the administration of HAMs can be persistent, life threatening, permanent. Additionally, they can result in disability, hospitalization, or death.

These drugs differ considerably from over-the-counter-drugs such as ibuprofen or aspirin. While these medications can be misused, a small variance in the amount taken would not generally be life threatening. However, small differences in the amount of HAMs given can be critical, and could result in death.

The Institute for Safe Medication Practices maintains three categories of high-risk medications according to the settings in which they are used:

• Medications that are high alert medications in community or ambulatory care settings;
• Medications that are high alert medications in acute care settings; and
• Medications that are high alert medications in long-term care settings.

Some examples of HAMs include:

• Anticoagulants: Blood thinners, such as warfarin and heparin. Because they are used to treat blood clots, they are used for conditions such as venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. An excess of an anticoagulant can be life-threatening, so it is important to take only as much as is prescribed, as well as to take it on a strictly regular dosing schedule, neither missing a dose or taking more than a dose at one time;
• Insulin: As a prescribed treatment for diabetes, it must be taken as prescribed, as there are numerous risks to taking insulin;
• Opiates and Narcotics: OxyContin, hydrocodone, and methadone are opioids which carry a high risk of addiction. When taken in excess, death by overdose can result;
• Injectable Potassium Chloride or Phosphate Concentrate: Medications for treatment of electrolyte imbalance that require monitoring and careful supervision for administration; and
• Potassium and Other Electrolytes: Medications that are used to regulate electrolytes can be dangerous if not used correctly, and with supervision.

All of these medications are potentially life-saving treatments when they are prescribed correctly and administered strictly as directed by a physician’s prescription. However, when used incorrectly and not as directed, their effects might be life-threatening as was previously mentioned.

Generally speaking, in hospitals and in long-term care settings, there are specific protocols for administering these medications in order to avoid mistakes. If a person or their relative is taking medication that is on the HAM list, they should review the treatment with their doctor so that they are educated in terms of required protocols that are followed during administration of the medication.

It is important to note that it is not only drugs on the HAMs list that can injure a person; all medications have the potential for undesirable side-effects, even when used properly. Additionally, interactions between different drugs can result in serious health consequences.

What Is Zoloft? What Are The Dangers Of Zoloft?

Zoloft is a prescription medication that is used to treat depression and anxiety. It works to help correct a chemical imbalance in the brain which may be associated with symptoms of depression or anxiety.

The most common side effects that you may experience from taking Zoloft include:

• Dry mouth;
• Insomnia;
• Sexual side effects;
• Diarrhea;
• Nausea;
• Sleepiness;
• Increased sweating; and/or
• Upset stomach.

The following are considerably serious side effects which demand immediate medical attention:

• Uncontrollable shaking;
• Loss of appetite;
• Unusual or rapid weight loss or gain;
• Black stools;
• Coffee ground vomit;
• Decreased interest in sex and sexual ability;
• Easy bruising and/or bleeding;
• Unusual or severe mental/mood changes; and/or
• Seizures.

A serious allergic reaction to Zoloft is unlikely, but symptoms include:

• Rash;
• Itching;
• Swelling;
• Dizziness; and/or
• Trouble breathing.

Those who are assigned male at birth are also at risk of experiencing a painful or prolonged erection, which is considered to be a medical emergency requiring immediate medical attention.

If you are taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (“MAOI”) or pimozide, you should not take Zoloft, as it is a selective serotonin inhibitor (“SSRI”). When these drugs are combined, the result can be serious and sometimes fatal. Symptoms include:

• Hyperthermia;
• Rigidity;
• Myoclonus;
• Autonomic instability with possible rapid fluctuations of vital signs;
• Confusions;
• Irritability; and/or
• Extreme agitation progressing to delirium and coma.

Zoloft is only approved for treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder in children between the ages of 6 to 17. Additionally, Zoloft is not approved for the treatment of depression in children or teenagers.

In October of 2004 the FDA ordered the inclusion of a “black box” warning on Zoloft information, which is the strongest warning aside from withdrawing the drug from the market entirely. This warning informs patients of the increased risk of suicidal and other adverse behavioral events in pediatric Zoloft users.

Should I Join A Class Action Lawsuit For The Dangers Of Zoloft?

Some factors to consider when choosing between class actions and suing a pharmaceutical manufacturer include:

• Plaintiffs are stronger as members of a large class of claimants:
• Plaintiffs are in a stronger negotiating position and as such are more likely to be able to settle before trial, reducing the costs and uncertainty of a trial;
• When a plaintiff joins with others it reduces the cost of the lawsuit to each of them;
• As with most personal injury claims, plaintiffs only pay the attorney fees if they win money, which comes from their award;
• Class action plaintiffs have a longer period of time in which to file a lawsuit;
• There may be a considerable disparity between what the various claimants recover if each proceeds individually;
• Reduced strain on the court system; and
• Having only one case is more efficient for courtrooms and fewer judges.

The negatives of class action lawsuits include:

• Compensation for an individual plaintiff in a class action is generally limited to economic damages and rebates;
• If a plaintiff wants to recover a substantial amount of money damages for their pain and suffering or other non-economic damages, a class action may not be suitable;
• The individual plaintiff has no say in the decisions that are made during the legal process;
• If a person joins a class action, the person forfeits their right to make an individual claim; and
• If the class action does not succeed, or if a person believes that their award is unsatisfactory, they will not be able to pursue an individual action later on.

Do I Need A Lawyer For Help With The Dangers Of Zoloft?

If you believe you have been injured by Zoloft side effects, you should speak with a good class action attorney who is experienced in working with victims of unsafe drugs.

An attorney can inform you of your legal rights and options, and will be aware of any class action lawsuits that you may be able to join. Additionally, an experienced attorney will also be able to represent you in court, as needed.