Lexapro Side Effects

Lexapro, also known by its generic name escitalopram, is an antidepressant medication belonging to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class. It’s commonly prescribed to treat depression and generalized anxiety disorder. Just like any other drug, while many people benefit from its therapeutic effects, some experience adverse reactions.

What Are the Side Effects of Lexapro?

Lexapro, like its generic lexapro counterpart, has various side effects. Generic lexapro side effects include:

• Nausea
• Dry mouth
• Sleep problems
• Fatigue
• Drowsiness
• Increased sweating
• Weight changes

In rare instances, Lexapro can cause more severe side effects, such as serotonin syndrome, allergic reactions, and decreased sodium levels in the blood.

What Are Some Common Legal Issues Associated with Lexapro?

Over the years, Lexapro has faced scrutiny for its side effects and some controversial marketing practices. Some believe that Lexapro should be illegal due to its potential risks. In a Lexapro lawsuit scenario, individuals or groups file claims against the drug manufacturer, alleging that they weren’t adequately warned about potential side effects or that the drug caused harm.

What If I Need to File a Legal Claim Involving Lexapro?

If you believe Lexapro or the generic Lexapro has harmed you, you might have grounds for a lawsuit. Those considering a legal claim should gather all relevant medical records, documentation of side effects, and any evidence linking the drug to their injuries.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Lexapro Injuries?

Typically, the drug manufacturer can be held liable for Lexapro injuries. They must ensure that their product is safe for public consumption and that all potential side effects are adequately disclosed. If it’s determined that the manufacturer knew of risks and did not inform the public, they might be held responsible for damages.

Drug Manufacturer Liability

The primary responsibility for ensuring a drug’s safety lies with its manufacturer. This encompasses rigorous testing and the duty to disclose any potential side effects and risks associated with the drug. To establish the manufacturer’s liability, a plaintiff must demonstrate that the drug had a defect. This defect could be in its manufacturing process, its design, or the manufacturer’s failure to warn about potential side effects.

Furthermore, it needs to be shown that the manufacturer was, or should have been, aware of these defects or risks and that these directly led to harm or injury to the user.

Testing Laboratory Liability

Laboratories that conduct tests for drug manufacturers might also find themselves liable. They must identify defects or side effects during the drug’s testing phase. If they miss these risks, they could be deemed negligent. For a testing lab to be held liable, a plaintiff must establish that the laboratory missed risks during its tests, which should have been identifiable.

This oversight would then have directly led to the release of a drug with defects or undisclosed risks.

Sales Representative Liability

Sales representatives play a crucial role in promoting drugs to physicians. If these representatives provide misleading information or fail to disclose known risks associated with the drug, they could be held responsible. It must be shown that they were aware (or should have been) of the drug’s risks and either did not disclose them or downplayed them. This misinformation would then lead to a physician prescribing the drug without full knowledge of its potential side effects.

Pharmacy Liability

Pharmacies have the duty of dispensing the correct medication and its proper dosage. They also often guide patients on how to use the drug. If they falter in these responsibilities, they could face liability.

For a pharmacy to be held responsible, a plaintiff must prove that the pharmacy either provided the wrong drug, gave the incorrect dosage, or did not offer adequate guidance or warnings about the drug.

Physician Liability

Physicians must comprehensively understand the medications they prescribe to their patients.

They might be held liable if they lack this knowledge or fail to inform a patient of a drug’s risks. It must be proven that the physician was unaware of the risks (when they should have been) or that they did not sufficiently inform the patient. This lack of information would then lead to the patient experiencing unforeseen complications from the drug.

Are There any Legal Remedies for an Injury Caused by Lexapro?

Yes. Those harmed by Lexapro can potentially recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. In some cases, punitive damages may be awarded if it’s proven that the manufacturer acted in a particularly negligent or malicious manner.

Let’s dive deeper into the types of remedies that those harmed by Lexapro (or any medication) might be entitled to.

Medical Bills

When someone is injured or suffers from the side effects of a drug, they often require medical attention. This can encompass doctor visits, hospital stays, treatments, surgeries, or any other medical procedures that become necessary due to complications from the drug.

If Lexapro is found to cause these health issues, the manufacturer or other liable parties might be responsible for covering all current and future medical expenses related to those injuries.

Lost Wages

Side effects or injuries from a medication can prevent a person from working, either temporarily or permanently. If someone misses work or cannot continue their profession due to the negative effects of Lexapro, they may be entitled to compensation for those lost wages. This can include the income they’ve already lost and any potential future earnings, especially if their earning capacity is permanently diminished.

Pain and Suffering

This is non-economic damage, meaning it has no direct monetary value like medical bills or lost wages. It compensates the victim for the physical pain and emotional distress suffered due to the medication’s side effects.

Calculating pain and suffering involves considering the severity of the physical pain, the duration, and the emotional traumas like depression, anxiety, or diminished quality of life that result from the injury.

Loss of Consortium

If the side effects of Lexapro are so severe that they negatively impact the injured person’s relationship with their spouse or family, they may be entitled to damages for loss of consortium. This refers to losing companionship, affection, comfort, or intimate relations.

Punitive Damages

Unlike other damages that aim to compensate the victim, punitive damages are designed to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior in the future. If it’s proven that the manufacturer of Lexapro (or any party responsible) acted in a particularly egregious, negligent, or malicious manner, the court might award punitive damages. This would exceed any compensatory damages and is a stern reprimand for especially reckless behavior.

It’s important to note that the availability and amount of these damages can vary based on individual circumstances and jurisdiction. A knowledgeable attorney can guide what damages might be applicable and help gather evidence to support such claims.

Should I Hire a Lawyer for Help with a Lexapro Injury Claim?

If you or a loved one has been injured due to Lexapro, seeking legal guidance is essential. A skilled Lexapro lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of pharmaceutical lawsuits. They will assess your case, guide you through the process, and advocate for your rights.

Don’t go through this challenging time alone. Contact a qualified class action lawyer through LegalMatch to ensure you get the justice you deserve.