Side Effects Linked to SSRIs

Antidepressant Injury Attorney

SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are a group of antidepressants that are intended to work by limiting the amount of serotonin reabsorbed by the body, thus managing the level of this neurotransmitter and improving the patient's mood. SSRIs are generally used to treat depression and may also be prescribed for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety disorders. Like all prescription drugs, SSRIs may cause various side effects in different patients. These may be minor and more of a nuisance in some cases, but in others they may lead to serious injuries or even death.

As pharmaceutical injury attorneys, we at Arnold & Itkin LLP are dedicated to helping those who have suffered serious injuries or have lost loved ones as the result of SSRI side effects. We handle lawsuits related to Zoloft, Prozac, Paxil, Lexapro, Celexa and all brand name or generic antidepressants. Because we have experience in this complex field and have considerable resources with which to investigate these claims, we are able to properly assert our clients' rights as we seek fair compensation on their behalf.

SSRI Side Effects Explained

Prescription drugs must be studied thoroughly and must undergo clinical trials to determine their true impact on patients. The side effects associated with SSRIs have been documented through clinical trials as well as in other studies that have revealed both common and uncommon side effects a patient may experience. Some of the most common side effects linked to SSRIs include anxiety, decreased libido, nausea, headaches, constipation, impotence, dry mouth, dizziness, fatigue, shakiness and loss of appetite. These side effects are considered relatively minor.

The serious side effects that have been linked to SSRIs include suicidal thoughts and behavior, particularly in children and adolescents, anxiety and panic attacks, hostility, aggression, restlessness, hallucinations, difficulty sleeping and other unusual changes in behavior. These side effects are potentially dangerous and should be immediately reported to one's doctor.

Birth defects are another serious side effect that may be linked to various antidepressants. These birth defects may range in severity and type. Some are potentially life-threatening and will require extensive medical treatment to save the child's life and to enable him or her to lead a relatively normal life. Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN), heart defects, abdominal defects, cranial defects, clubfoot and cleft lip are all defects that may be caused by SSRIs. One study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, for example, found that expectant mothers who took SSRIs during the third trimester were six times more likely to give birth to babies with PPHN or who would develop PPHN than expectant mothers who did not take SSRIs.

Free Consultation: Medical Injury Lawyer

Your initial consultation with a professional at our firm is free. All communication with our firm is also strictly confidential. If you are interested in working with a compassionate and knowledgeable medical injury lawyer who will properly assess the situation to determine how to handle your case, you have come to the right place. We are committed to handling SSRI lawsuits related to all types of serious side effects and injuries.

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