Paxil Known to Cause an Increased Risk of Suicide Among Adolescents

Paxil, also known as Paroxetine, is a member of a group of antidepressant drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). The manufacturer of Paxil, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) introduced the drug into the markets in 1992, since then Paxil quickly became one of the most widely prescribed drug in its field. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also done several clinical trials showing Paxil’s efficacy in both adults and in adolescents.

It has been shown that Paxil can work quickly and efficiently with adults, in a clinical trial done by the FDA a group of patients were given Paxil while another group was given a placebo for 10-12 weeks. The results of the trial showed a positive result in the group given Paxil, as they showed less symptoms of depression when compared to the group that was just given the placebo. The result of this trial was an important step for Paxil in its path to FDA approval for use against depression in adults.

However, in children and teenagers Paxil has been shown not to work efficiently. Also results have shown that the drug can actually cause an increase in risk of suicidal ideation and suicidal behavior in children and adolescents.  There have been two different studies were made on observing these suicidal tendencies in children and adolescents while taking Paxil. A FDA statistical analysis showed a 2.7% raise in suicidal tendencies in children and adolescents compared to those who took the placebo. University of North Carolina reviewed Paxil use in children and teenagers revealed a 4% raise of suicidal tendencies in the Paxil users compared to a 2% rise in the placebo users.

While Paxil has been known to work well in adults; the popular antidepressant has been shown by recent studies that the drug can actually raise suicidal tendencies in children and adolescents. If you believe that you or one of your loved ones has been injured by the use of Paxil then knowing your legal rights could be your next action. For more information on any potential legal action you may take, visit with a Paxil lawyer as soon as possible, most lawyers will give you a free consultation and many will not charge you unless your case receives compensation by the courts.