Depression and anxiety affect millions of people in the United States. Doctors might prescribe Lexapro for anxiety or depression. Lexapro is a common selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It and other SSRIs have known side effects of which patients should be aware. Patients also should know that they may have legal recourse if this potentially dangerous drug causes them harm. Cordisco & Saile LLC can help in such cases – just call 215-642-2335.
Lexapro for Depression or Anxiety
Lexapro, whose active ingredient is escitalopram oxalate, is a prescription drug used to treat depression and generalized anxiety disorder. Escitalopram oxalate is an SSRI that blocks the reabsorption of serotonin in the brain. This helps regulate emotion and control depression.
Forest Laboratories, Inc., the drug’s manufacturer, indicates that adults and adolescents 12 to 17 can take Lexapro for depression. Only adults may take it to treat acute generalized anxiety disorder. But before taking this or any other drug, patients should talk to their doctors.
Possible Lexapro Side Effects
SSRIs are common drugs that treat depression and other mental illnesses. Lexapro, however, may cause serious risks that patients and their doctors should consider. A medication guide published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns users that one of the biggest risks of taking Lexapro is suicide. Specifically, it notes that it “may increase suicidal thoughts or actions in some children, teenagers or young adults within the first few months of treatment or when dose is changed.”
Some patients taking Lexapro may experience serotonin syndrome. This condition can lead to a number of symptoms, such as changes in mental status (hallucinations, etc.), problems with coordination, muscle twitching, racing heart, changes in blood pressure, sweating/fever, or nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Below are some of the other possible side effects of Lexapro.
- Severe allergic reactions
- Abnormal bleeding
- Seizures or convulsions
- Manic episodes that might include racing thoughts, reckless behavior, trouble sleeping, etc.
- Changes in appetite and weight
- Low sodium in the blood
The most dangerous of the above is the increased risk of committing suicide. However, other side effects can also lead to dangerous behaviors and conditions.
Filing a Lawsuit for Lexapro-related Harm
Many individuals harmed by taking Lexapro, or who lost a family member to suicide, have filed lawsuits against Forest Laboratories, Inc. Many lawsuits note that Forest Laboratories, Inc. continued to market the drugs to teenagers and young adults, despite known risks of suicidal thoughts and behavior. If you lost a loved one who took Lexapro, you may be able to file a claim for damages.
In Pennsylvania, you must file a product liability claim within two years of the injury. So get started right away if you believe you have grounds for legal action – an attorney can review your case to help decide whether to take action.
Call Cordisco & Saile LLC if Harmed by Lexapro
Losing a loved one to suicide can be extremely traumatic. If your family member’s suicide was preventable, had the deceased not been taking Lexapro at the time of death, you may be able to claim damages from Forest Laboratories, Inc. In some cases, a negligent doctor may be liable if he or she prescribed the drug, despite known risks or failed to properly adjust treatment after becoming aware of the deceased’s suicidal thoughts or attempts.
Talk to an attorney about whether the drug manufacturer, a doctor or another party may be liable for a loved one’s suicide related to use of Lexapro. At Cordisco & Saile LLC, our team will review the details of your case and help you file your claim under Pennsylvania law. For a legal advocate you can count on, call us today at 215-642-2335 or use the form on our contact page to set up a consultation.
