Paroxetine (or trade name Paxil) is a drug used to manage symptoms of multiple psychological problems including depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), social anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, panic attacks and post-traumatic stress disorder. In addition, the drug has been prescribed to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder, tingling in extremities related to diabetes, chronic headaches and more.
Paxil is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and works by stopping receptors in the brain from reabsorbing serotonin, the neurotransmitter that helps maintain feelings of happiness and well-being in humans. It is used to relieve users of the negative feelings associated with many of the disorders listed above.
If you suffer serious complications of the drug, our attorneys may help you recover fair compensation for the damages you’ve suffered. Call Gacovino, Lake & Associates today at 800-550-0000 to learn more about the legal options available to you.
Possible Complications of Paxil
As with many SSRI drugs, there are many side effects associated with Paxil. Some are mild, while others are downright deadly. Some side effects have received black-box warnings (the most serious of all warnings) from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and others have resulted in class-action lawsuits.
Some of the less serious side effects of Paxil – which still may require talking to your doctor – include sexual dysfunction, nausea, insomnia, drowsiness, anxiety, irritability, constipation, weakness, dry mouth and headaches.
More serious complications include the possibility of seizures, confusion, racing or abnormal heart rate, fainting, allergic reactions, balance problems, hallucinations, and suicidal thoughts. The threat of increased suicidal tendencies associated with Paxil was so concerning that the FDA issued a black-box warning for this side effect in teenagers in 2004.
Risks of Paxil for Pregnant Women
Paxil has been associated with some very serious side effects for pregnant women. In fact, the FDA required the manufacturer, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), to upgrade its pregnancy warning from a C level to a D level (a stronger warning and indication that the medication is not recommended for use by pregnant women) on the labeling and inserts in late 2005. This requirement was a result of studies that indicated health risks to fetuses.
Some potential risks of Paxil when taken by pregnant women include heart defects in babies born to mothers, like atrial and septal heart defects. This refers to holes in the walls of the heart chambers, some of which may require surgery. Other birth defects may be associated with the drug, and parents can consult lawyers about filing lawsuits related to these and other defects.
Our Lawyers Can Help File Lawsuits
GSK was the subject to the largest healthcare fraud settlement in 2012. The giant drug manufacturer pleaded guilty of multiple criminal charges, including marketing drugs – including Paxil – for unapproved use by children and adolescents. It even allegedly helped publish an article in a journal that misrepresented clinical trial data. As noted above, the manufacturer was required to include a warning of suicide risk in teens.
In addition, consumers have filed thousands of lawsuits against GSK for side effects such as birth defects, suicides and more. Some of these lawsuits were class-action suits. Discuss whether you have a valid case with Paxil attorneys who can review your case details.
Call the Lawyers at Gacovino, Lake & Associates
If you believe you or a family member has suffered complications, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the manufacturer for compensation. Other parties – like healthcare professionals – might be liable in some cases, depending on the circumstances.
You may be entitled to a settlement that will reimburse you for any associated medical bills, loss of wages, and/or pain and suffering. Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C. can help you with your claim. Our attorneys work to ensure that each case is treated with the attention necessary to reach a positive outcome. Call us today at (800) 550-0000 to schedule a free case review.
