Paxil Side Effects & Patient Lawsuits
Paxil, also known as paroxetine HCT, is a drug commonly used for the treatment of depression, panic disorders, obsessive compulsive disorders and social anxiety disorders. The drug was approved for distribution in the United States in 1992, but has since been directly linked with devastating side effects such as increased depression, violent outbursts, severe addiction and withdrawal and now birth defects. The drug’s manufacturer, GlaxoSmithKline, now faces increased scrutiny for their failure to alert the public about these potentially deadly side effects.
In a lawsuit filed by the State of New York against GlaxoSmithKline, allegations that the pharmaceutical company intentionally withheld important information and misrepresented findings began to surface. The lawsuit stated that GlaxoSmithKline conducted five studies on the side effects of Paxil on children and adolescents, but failed to publish four of the studies because of less-than-acceptable results. These studies showed that Paxil does indeed increase the risk of suicide and is not an effective treatment for depression.
Here are some similar medications that have recently received media coverage due to negative side effects:
- Plavix
- Prozac
- Celexa
The side effects associated with Paxil extend far beyond the risk of suicide or suicidal thoughts. Those who have tried to reduce their dosage or stop using the drug have reported violent withdrawal symptoms including abdominal discomfort, flu symptoms, agitation, confusion, disorientation, light-headedness and other medical problems. In addition to withdrawal reactions, the following side effects have also been reported:
- Suicide or suicide attempt
- Violent withdrawal symptoms
- Severe psychological effects or violent outbursts
- Addiction side effects
- Birth defects
- Traumatic bone fractures
- Temporary muscle paralysis (Akinesia)
- Insomnia
- Paranoia
- Weight loss
- Profuse sweating
- Tremors
What is Paroxetine?
Paroxetine is a term used to describe a class of drugs called Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI’s). Prozac and Zoloft are examples of other popular SSRI’s. The job of an SSRI is to alter chemicals in the brain that may have become unbalanced. This chemical imbalance is what causes depression, panic, anxiety, obsessive compulsive symptoms and other similar conditions.
On Thursday, December 8th 2005, the FDA issued a warning stating that exposure to paroxetine in the first trimester of pregnancy may increase the risk for congenital malformations, specifically cardiac malformations. At the FDA’s request, GlaxoSmithKline has changed paroxetine’s pregnancy category from C to D and added new recommendations to the warnings section of paroxetine’s prescribing information. The FDA is currently awaiting final results of recent studies regarding the use of paroxetine in pregnancy in order to better characterize the risk for congenital malformations when taking paroxetine.
If you or a loved one have experienced any major side effects from Paxil, including psychological effects, birth defects, tremors or paranoia, please call us at 1.800.966.4999 or fill out our online contact form for a free case evaluation.
