subject: Am I Eligible to File a Paxil Lawsuit? [print this page] If your baby suffered specific disorders and you were being treated with Paxil, the answer to this question may be "yes". Paxil is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor sold by GlaxoSmithKline. Since its inception, it has been one of the most popular SSRI drugs on the market and is prescribed for a host of conditions.
Paxil Side Effects and Effects
Paxil is primarily prescribed because of its effects in treating certain mental disorders. It is widely used for the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders. A list of the conditions for which you may have been prescribed Paxil include:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Panic Attacks/Panic Disorder
Clinical Depression
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Compulsive Gambling
Hot Flashes Related to Menopause
These disorders have been shown to respond to treatment with Paxil. Unfortunately, the company that manufactures this drug has had lawsuits filed against it by individuals and families who suffered from side effects. To date, they have paid out millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for such claims. Some of the side effects of this drug are very distressing.
Paxil Side Effects
Aside from Paxil birth defects, this drug is known to cause a number of unpleasant side effects in adults. They include:
A feeling of electric jolts in the limbs
Intense dreams, often nightmares
Increases in suicidal behavior and idealization, especially in young people
Habit-forming tendencies
Sexual dysfunction
Weight gain
This drug is not recommended for patients under 24 years of age, where the highest incidences of increased suicidal tendencies and suicidal idealization have been observed. Those who are on this drug are recommended to keep in close contact with their healthcare provider and to report such instances of increased suicidal thoughts immediately.
This drug remains popular because it has been shown to be very effective in treating the disorders that it is recommended for. Pregnant mothers, however, are definitely recommended to discontinue use for several reasons.
Paxil Birth Defects
Paxil birth defects include some life-threatening conditions and many Paxil lawsuit claims are filed in response to a mother and her infant suffering such conditions. The primary birth defect that Paxil is associated with is PPHN. PPHN, an acronym for Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension in the Newborn, can be life-threatening. Infants with this condition do not breathe properly and can suffer numerous effects, including ones that damage the eyes and kidneys. It can be fatal.
Other Paxil birth defects include malformations of the heart and the brain, as well as malformation of the skull. If your infant has suffered these conditions and if you were being treated with Paxilespecially if you weren't warned of these dangersyou may be eligible to file a lawsuit. The best way to start is to contact an attorney.
