One of the leading antidepressants that are out in the market is Paxil manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline
. This drug was first introduced in the year 1992 and since then many have been complaining about it. Side effects are the main complaint of Paxil users. The complaints of the side effects that some users have experienced vary from less serious to adverse side effects. Others have also experienced Serotonin syndrome when they took different antidepressants at the same time. The manufacturer has been paying money for the damages that these people have claimed in court.
There are many ups and downs since the introduction of Paxil. Controversial issues like birth defects have surrounded Paxil. They have changed the pregnancy risk category of Paxil to D because there is already a risk to the fetus according to observations. Heart defects like Ventricular and Atrial Septal defect are the common problems found in these babies. This is possible if the mother took Paxil in the first trimester of her pregnancy. Paxil has affected the heart of the newborn if taken in the first trimester because it is the time when the organs of the baby are developing. Premature birth and respiratory problem for the newborn will also be encountered if Paxil was taken during the third trimester. Additional information is now being gathered by the FDA to consolidate the findings.
Serotonin syndrome can be serious enough to require hospitalization, and is most often treated with tranquilizers such as Valium or anti-seizure medications. Very often, reducing the dosages or withdrawing from the antidepressants and other medications affecting serotonin levels will help reverse the syndrome.
Risk for suicide is another problem that is seen in taking Paxil. One of the known side effects of Paxil is suicidal thoughts that are prevalent among younger users. Monitoring the first few weeks while under Paxil is done for those under 24 years old. Lapses in monitoring the user are usually the reason why they succeed in taking their lives.
Those were only a few of the reasons why people are filing Paxil lawsuit against GlaxoSmithKline. Knowledge about the side effects of Paxil is being disseminated to the general public. The FDA also advised physicians to thoroughly discuss the effects of Paxil before prescribing it to a pregnant woman.