Mellaril, also known by its generic name Thioridazine, is a type of medication classified under the phenothiazine family. It is an antipsychotic drug. It has been used primarily for treating certain mental/mood disorders, such as schizophrenia, to reduce the symptoms of psychosis, which can include hallucinations, delusions, and confused thinking.
Mellaril is regulated by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States. However, it has been significantly restricted since 2005 due to its potential side effects, including a risk of serious heart-related events.
What Are the Common Side Effects of Using Mellaril?
Like most medications, Mellaril can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Common side effects can include:
- Drowsiness or dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Blurred vision
- Constipation
- Weight gain
- Menstrual changes for women
- Sexual dysfunction
More serious but less common side effects can include:
Tardive Dyskinesia
Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a serious side effect that can occur when taking antipsychotic medications like Mellaril. It is characterized by involuntary, repetitive body movements that are often difficult to control. These can include grimacing, sticking out the tongue, and rapid blinking of the eyes. The movements frequently involve the lower face but can also affect the limbs and torso.
While TD can develop in anyone taking antipsychotic medications, it is more common in older adults, especially older women. The condition can be very distressing, both physically and psychologically. It can interfere with a person’s ability to carry out normal daily activities and can also lead to social isolation due to embarrassment or misunderstanding about the condition.
The risk of developing TD increases the longer a person takes an antipsychotic medication and the higher the dose. In some cases, TD can be irreversible, even after the medication is stopped. However, in other cases, reducing the dose of the medication or switching to a different type of antipsychotic can help to reduce the symptoms of TD.
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition that can occur when taking antipsychotic medications. It is characterized by a sudden high fever, severe muscle rigidity, autonomic nervous system instability (such as fluctuating blood pressure and heart rate), and altered mental status, which can range from confusion to coma.
NMS can develop rapidly, often within a few days of starting the medication, increasing the dose, or after an abrupt discontinuation. It requires immediate medical attention and typically involves hospitalization. Treatment generally involves discontinuing the antipsychotic medication and providing supportive care, such as hydration and cooling measures. If not treated promptly, NMS can lead to serious complications, including respiratory failure, kidney failure, and death.
Severe Cardiac Arrhythmias
Another serious side effect associated with Mellaril is the risk of severe cardiac arrhythmias, abnormal rhythms of the heart. These can include tachycardia (an abnormally fast heart rate), bradycardia (an abnormally slow heart rate), and QT prolongation, a specific type of abnormal heart rhythm that can lead to a life-threatening condition called torsades de pointes.
These arrhythmias can cause symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, fainting, or even sudden cardiac death. The risk of these side effects is higher in individuals with underlying heart disease or those taking other medications that can also affect the heart’s rhythm.
Low White Blood Cell Count
Antipsychotic medications like Mellaril can sometimes cause a decrease in the number of white blood cells in the body, a condition known as leukopenia or neutropenia. White blood cells are crucial for the body’s immune response, so a decrease in their number can increase the risk of infections.
Symptoms of a low white blood cell count can include frequent infections, fever, and fatigue. If the white blood cell count drops too low, it can lead to a condition called agranulocytosis, which is a medical emergency due to the high risk of severe infections.
As with any medication, discuss the potential risks and benefits with your healthcare provider.
What Damages Are Available in a Mellaril Lawsuit?
If you have experienced significant harm as a result of taking Mellaril, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the manufacturer or other potentially responsible parties. Damages in these lawsuits typically aim to compensate victims for:
Medical Expenses
In a lawsuit related to Mellaril, damages for medical expenses aim to compensate the plaintiff for the costs of medical care necessary to treat health conditions caused by the drug. These costs can include hospital stays, doctor’s visits, diagnostic tests, medications, surgeries, rehabilitation, and any other treatments associated with the harm caused by the drug. Future medical expenses are also considered if ongoing care is necessary.
In the context of a class action suit involving Mellaril, the medical expenses portion of any awarded damages would be divided based on the severity of each plaintiff’s injuries and the amount of medical care each has needed and will continue to need.
Pain and Suffering
Damages for pain and suffering aim to provide monetary compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress a plaintiff has experienced as a result of injuries caused by the drug. This can include anxiety, depression, loss of enjoyment of life, and other emotional harms.
In a class-action lawsuit, the pain and suffering portion of damages would be divided based on the individual experiences of each plaintiff. Usually, this is determined through personal testimonials, medical records, and expert testimony about the psychological impact of the harm caused by Mellaril.
Loss of Earnings
Loss of earnings damages aims to compensate the plaintiff for any lost wages due to the injuries caused by Mellaril. These losses could be due to time off work for medical appointments and recovery, or they could be due to a reduced capacity to work. If the plaintiff is unable to work entirely, loss of earning capacity will also be considered.
In a class-action lawsuit, loss of earnings damages would be divided based on the financial impact Mellaril has had on each plaintiff’s ability to work. Past pay stubs, tax returns, and expert testimonies about each individual’s earning capacity can be used to calculate this.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are not awarded in every case, but they may be available if the defendant’s conduct is found to be particularly egregious or reckless. In cases involving Mellaril, if it was found that the manufacturer knowingly concealed information about the drug’s potential side effects, for instance, punitive damages could be awarded to punish the manufacturer and deter similar conduct in the future.
In a class-action lawsuit, punitive damages would be divided among the plaintiffs. The amount awarded would depend on the specifics of the case, including the extent of the defendant’s wrongdoing and the harm caused to the plaintiffs.
Do I Need a Lawyer for Help With My Mellaril Lawsuit?
If you believe you have been harmed by the use of Mellaril, it is highly advisable to seek legal counsel. An experienced class action lawyer can help you understand your rights, evaluate the strength of your claim, and guide you through the complex process of litigation.
In class-action lawsuits, a law firm usually takes on the responsibility of representing the group. If you are part of such a group, it is still beneficial to consult your own lawyer to ensure your interests are adequately represented.
Please consult with a professional attorney or law firm specializing in pharmaceutical litigation or class-action lawsuits to explore your options further. The specific facts and circumstances of your situation will greatly determine your legal rights and remedies.
