Dangerous Drugs:
Paxil / Zoloft
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Paxil & Zoloft Linked to Suicides

News - 09/28/2005 - The Food and Drug Administration is warning that a study has suggested that the antidepressant Paxil may be associated with birth defects.  According to an article by the Associated Press, a retrospective study found increased numbers of babies born with birth defects to women who were taking Paxil during the first trimester of pregnancy, as compared with women on other antidepressants, according to the FDA and the company.

People suffering from depression and other psychotic disorders rely on antidepressants such as Paxil and Zoloft to help them lead normal lives. Unfortunately what some find is quite the opposite. They face a worsening of their conditions, aggression, and suicidal thoughts and attempts. There have been several high-profile cases in which patients taking Paxil either took their own lives or those of loved ones.

Paxil and Zoloft, along with Prozac, are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants. Part of a class of drugs known as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI), these drugs have been linked to an increase in suicidal behavior and self harm in patients taking them.

Paxil, Zoloft and the FDA

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a Public Health Advisory for Paxil, Zoloft, and other SSRIs. The FDA asked manufacturers to include in their labeling a Warning statement urging health care providers to be on the lookout for the worsening of the depression on the onset of suicidal behavior as well as other common side effects, including:

  • Anxiety
  • Agitation
  • Panic Attacks
  • Insomnia
  • Irritability
  • Hostility
  • Impulsivity
  • Akathisia (severe restlessness)
  • Hypomania
  • Mania

Children and Young Adults at Highest Risk

Although Paxil and Zoloft are not approved by the FDA to treat children, doctors have prescribed these drugs to children. Several studies involving over 4,200 children have shown that children and young adults prescribed antidepressants are twice as likely as those given placebos to become suicidal.

These studies coincide with results found in England that led Britain's Department of Health to ban Paxil (or its English equivalent Saroxat) from being prescribed to anyone under the age of 18.

Although Paxil and Zoloft are commonly prescribed to treat depression, they are also prescribed to treat:

  • Anxiety
  • Panic disorder
  • Obsessive compulsive disorder
  • Post traumatic stress disorder
Free Case Evaluation Related News
Free Case Evaluation Related News
Free Case Evaluation Related News

The law limits the amount of time after a patient incurs an injury to file suit. The amount of time varies based on the theory of liability and the state in which the patient files the suit. If you or a loved one has taken Paxil or Zoloft and attempted or committed suicide, contact us.

Please fill out the form below for a free evaluation of your case or call us at 1-800-275-0192.

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Glaxo and Pfizer Win Preemption Cases
Glaxo and Pfizer Win Preemption Cases 2008 04 08 A federal appeals court has decided that the drugmakers can’t be held liable for a pair of suicides that were blamed on antidepressants and an alleged failure by the manufacturers