Paxil

Paxil Highlights

Prescribed to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic attacks and anxiety disorders.
In 2004 FDA mandates black box warning on all anti-depressants (including Paxil) because of the increased risk of suicide in children and adolescents.
In 2005, the FDA issued a safety warning for pregnant women regarding potential birth defects.

Lawsuits and Investigations

About Paxil

Paxil, also known as Paroxetine or Aropax. is an antidepressant known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline, Paxil was approved by the FDA in the early 1990s. It is currently prescribed to treat various psychological disorders including depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic attacks, and anxiety disorders. It is approved only for use in adults.

If you or a loved one has experienced an adverse reaction while taking Paxil you may be entitled to a cash settlement. Please complete the form and one of our attorneys will contact you or call 1-800-LAW-FIRM now.

Despite Paxil’s efficacy, the pharmaceutical has been proven to cause some serious side effects among its users. In 2005, the FDA issued a safety warning for pregnant women stating use of Paxil put the fetus at risk for “congenital malformations, particularly cardiac malformations.” As a result, GlaxoSmithKline added new recommendations to the warnings sections of Paxil, and the drug is no longer recommended for women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

Evidence demonstrates that GlaxoSmithKline deliberately chose against adequately warning physicians and expectant mothers about the risk of birth defects when pregnant mothers took Paxil. Those birth defects include persistent pulmonary hypertension in newborn babies (PPHN) and heart defects, including holes in the heart and malformations.

Conditions Caused By Paxil

Congenital Malformations/Birth Defects
Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension
Cardiac Malformations/Defects

Side Effects & Symptoms

Death
Difficulty Breathing
Seizures
Tremors
Shakiness
Premature Birth
Vomiting
Low Blood Sugar
Complications Requiring Emergency Surgery

Warnings & Recalls

In September 2004, FDA mandates black box warning on all anti-depressants (including Paxil) because of the increased risk of suicide in children and adolescents.
The FDA issued a safety advisory about Paxil in 2005, commenting on the potential relationship between the drug and birth defects when prescribed to pregnant mothers during the first trimester.

Cases, Settlements, & Verdicts

In October 2009, $2.5 million awarded to Pennsylvanian family for birth defects related to Paxil use while pregnant.
In June 2001, jury awards $8 million to the relatives of a man who killed himself along with 3 others while taking Paxil.
In 2010, GlaxoSmithKline settled more than a hundred Paxil birth defect lawsuits out of for an amount pushing into the billions of dollars. The cases involved children that developed birth defects after their pregnant mothers were prescribed Paxil. The settlement was structured so that GlaxoSmithKline in no way accepted the claim that Paxil was specifically responsible for the defects.
There are many more cases still pending against the manufacturers of Paxil.