Depression is one of the most prevalent conditions in the United States, affecting an estimated one in 10 adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In fact, from 2005 through 2008, the National Center for Health Statistics reported that antidepressants were the third most commonly taken prescription drug by Americans of all ages. One prescription medication that has been used to treat depression and anxiety since 2002 is Lexapro.
While Lexapro has been approved by the FDA to treat depression in those aged 12 or older and to treat generalized anxiety in adults, it may have dangerous side effects. If you’ve been prescribed Lexapro and were harmed as a result of taking the drug, speak with Lexapro lawyers about your options to recover damages.
How does Lexapro work?
The generic name for Lexapro is escitalopram oxalate. Escitalopram oxalate is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, or SSRI. Essentially, Lexapro works by blocking reuptake of serotonin in the brain — the chemical that is responsible for influencing mood and creating a feeling of happiness.
In most cases, those prescribed Lexapro don’t feel changes immediately; rather, Lexapro takes a few weeks to start working properly. While Lexapro can be effective in combating depression and anxiety in patients who take the drug, it also can have some dangerous consequences that patients should discuss with Lexapro attorneys if they experience them.
Common and Serious Side Effects of Lexapro
Most prescription medications have side effects, although some are much more severe than others. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, some serious side effects of Lexapro are listed below.
- suicidal thoughts or actions.
- serotonin syndrome, which is life-threatening and includes hallucinations, fever, nausea and more.
- severe allergic reaction.
- abnormal bleeding.
- seizures or convulsions.
- manic episodes.
- changes in appetite or weight.
- and, low sodium levels.
In addition to these dangerous side effects listed by the FDA, Lexapro may be linked to serious birth defects in the unborn fetuses of mothers who take Lexapro. Possible birth defects seen in babies born to mothers taking Lexapro are persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn, congenital heart defects and neural tube defects. Mothers and expectant mothers should discuss the risks and benefits of Lexapro with their physician.
Who’s liable for injuries caused by Lexapro?
If you or a loved one has taken Lexapro and suffered physical harm as a result, you may be able to recover compensation for the damages it caused. When filing a Lexapro lawsuit, those who may be held liable for injuries include the manufacturers of Lexapro, the distributors of Lexapro, those involved in writing the prescription, those involved in filling the prescription and more. The parties liable for damages depend on the details of your case.
In order to help determine who’s responsible for your severe health problems and related damages, seek the assistance of Lexapro lawyers familiar with dangerous drug claims.
Take Action Now if Harmed – Call Lexapro Lawyers at Gacovino & Lake
If you have been prescribed Lexapro and experienced negative and severe repercussions to your health as a result, the attorneys at Gacovino, Lake, & Associates, P.C. are ready to take on your case. Our Lexapro attorneys can guide you through the process of filing your claim, offer insight as to who’s liable for your injuries, provide information about what types of damages you may be able to recover, and help build your case. To get started, call us now at 800-550-0000 or use our online contact form to set up your free consultation.
