Paxil Lawsuits and Paxil Liability in Massachusetts
What is Paxil?
Paxil is a member of the drug family known as selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors, otherwise known as “SSRI”. The drug is manufactured by large pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline, and patients who have taken Paxil were exposed to risks they may not be aware of when it was first prescribed. These risks include:
- Severe birth injuries and defects
- Being born with a heart defect
- Suicidal tendencies
It has been discovered that GlaxoSmithKline potentially hid dangerous facts about the potential side effects associated with taking Paxil and misrepresented data on the dangers of prescribing Paxil to children.
Paxil Side Effects
Numerous studies have shown the potential dangers associated with taking Paxil, especially for pregnant women and children.
In December 2005, the FDA sent out a warning to health care professionals and patients about the increased risk to pregnant women when taken during their first trimester. The most common side effect associated with taking Paxil at this time is the baby being born with a heart defect. Early results in two field tests have shown women who have taken Paxil in their first trimester are one and a half times as likely to have a baby born with a heart defect as opposed to women who have not taken Paxil. Additionally, women who have taken Paxil in the first trimester are also at risk for premature births and a very serious condition resulting in the baby not having enough oxygen in their blood.
Babies of women who have taken drugs like Paxil in the first trimester are also at risk of prolonged hospital stays and complications. These complications include:
- Breathing Support and Tube Feeding
- Seizures
- Muscle Rigidity
- Jitters and Constant Crying
There are also potential complications with breastfeeding after Paxil use, but as there is no concrete data on the subject, women and medical professionals alike are frustrated with the lack of knowledge these risks may lead too.
In addition to the side effects associated with pregnancy, Paxil has been shown to negatively impact the body and produce serious side effects in the following manners:
The Body as a whole
- Chills
- Allergic Reactions
- Infection
- Moniliasis (infection caused by Candida, a yeast like fungus)
- Face Edema (abnormal amounts of fluid in facial tissue)
- Neck Pain
- Overdose
Cardiovascular
- Bradycardia (slowness of the heartbeat)
- Conduction Abnormalities (abnormal transfer of sound waves, heat, nerve influences or electricity)
- Hypotension (lower blood pressure)
- ECG abnormal
- Migraine
- Ventricular Extrasystoles (premature heart contraction)
Dermatological
- Acne
- Alopecia (absence of hair in areas it is usually present)
- Dry Skin
- Ecchymosis (blood under the skin)
- Eczema (inflammatory skin disease characterized by lesions, watery discharge at times and development of scales and crust)
- Furunculosis (painful nodules formed in the skin caused by bacteria which enters through the hair follicles)
- Herpes Simplex
- Urticaria (skin reaction to various drugs which produce slightly elevated red patches and often severe itching)
Gastrointestinal
- Bruxism (grinding of teeth, particularly during sleep)
- Buccal Cavity Disorder (cavity running from the cheeks to the lips)
- Dysphagia (inflammation of the esophagus)
- Eructation (belching or casting up wind from the stomach)
- Gastrointestinal Flu
- Glossitis (inflammation of the tongue)
- Increased Salvation
- Abnormal Liver Function Test
- Mouth Ulceration
- Vomiting and Diarrhea
- Rectal Hemorrhage
Hematologic and Lymphatic
- Anemia
- Leukopenia (reduction in the number of leukocytes in the blood)
- Lymphadenopathy (disease of the lymphnodes)
- Purpura (presence of blood just under the skin appearing anywhere on the body)
- WBC Abnormality (white blood cell abnormality)
Musculoskeletal
- Arthralgia (pain in the joint)
- Arthritis
- Traumatic Fracture
Nervous System
- Akinesia (temporary paralysis of a muscle, intense pain at times)
- Alcohol Abuse
- Amnesia
- Ataxia (failure of muscular coordination or irregular muscle action)
- Convulsion
- Depersonalization
- Hallucinations
- Hyperkinesia (strange increase in motor activity or function)
- Hypertonia (excessive tone, tension or activity, sometimes including increased blood pressure)
- Incoordination
- Lack of Emotion
- Manic Reaction
- Paranoid Reaction
- Thinking Abnormally
Respiratory System
- Asthma
- Bronchitis
- Dyspnea (difficult or labored breathing)
- Epistaxis (hemorrhaging from the nose)
- Hyperventilation
- Pneumonia
- Respiratory Flu
- Sinusitis
Special Senses
- Conjunctivitis
- Ear Pain
- Eye Pain
- Mydriasis (extreme dilation of the pupil)
- Otitis Media (inflammation of the ear marked by pain, fever, abnormalities of hearing)
- Tinnitus (a noise in the ear, buzzing, roaring, clicking etc.)
Urogenital
- Abortion
- Amenorrhea (abnormal stoppage of menses)
- Breast Pain
- Cystitis (inflammation of urinary bladder)
- Menorrhagia (excessive uterine bleeding occurring at regular intervals)
- Nocturia (excessive urination at night)
- Polyuria (passing large volumes of urine in a given period)
- Urinary Incontinence
- Urinary Retention
- Urinary Tract Infection
- Urinary Urgency
- Vaginitis (inflammation of the vagina)
Paxil in Relation to Children
Paxil has never been approved for the FDA for use on children, but physicians often prescribed Paxil believing it was safe and effective for treating Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).
Data dating back to 1998 suggested Paxil was dangerous to adolescents, but the drug generated significant profit for GlaxoSmithKline. In 2002, Paxil generated $55,000,000 in revenue, and lead to a $2,500,000 settlement on August 26, 2004. The lawsuit claimed the company fraudulently withheld negative information about Paxil, putting patients at risk.
The FDA has expressed concern that Paxil may induce suicidal thoughts in children and adolescents, and urges doctors not to prescribe Paxil to younger patients. However, they also have acknowledged severe withdraw symptoms after discontinuing use of the drug, which are sometimes so serious it requires the patient to remain on Paxil.
Another disturbing statistic states that “three well-controlled clinical trials suggest Paxil is not helpful in treating Major Depressive Disorder”, and was no more effective than a placebo. In fact, adolescents given Paxil were 3 times more likely to experience suicidal thoughts than those given the placebo.
Paxil Lawsuit
At Sheff Law, we are the Massachusetts law firm with the resources, experience, and national reputation to investigate injuries resulting from taking Paxil. Patients across Massachusetts and America are starting to realize some of the potential harmful side effects of taking Paxil. If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of taking Paxil, contact an attorney at Sheff Law today by filling out a FREE consultation form, or call at (888) 423-4477 or 617-227-7000.
