Paxil Known to Cause Suicidal Tendencies in Adolescents

Also known as Paroxetine, Paxil is a member of a group of antidepressant drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Paxil was introduced by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) into the market in 1992, since its introduction Paxil quickly became one of the most widely prescribed drugs in its field. Paxil was the subject of several clinical trials done by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), these trials showed 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 trial’s results are what helped Paxil gain its FDA approval for use against depression in adults.

However, reports show that Paxil has not been known to work efficiently in children and teenagers. Also results have shown that the drug can actually cause an increase in risk of suicidal ideation and suicidal behavior in children and adolescents.  To date there have been at least two different studies made showing suicidal tendencies in children and adolescents while taking Paxil.  During a FDA statistical analysis it was shown that there was a 2.7% raise in suicidal tendencies in children and adolescents compared to those who took the placebo.  In a University of North Carolina review of Paxil use in adolescents showed a 4% raise of suicidality in the Paxil users compared to a 2% rise in the placebo users.

Paxil is an antidepressant that has been known to work well in adults; recent studies have shown that the drug can actually raise suicidal tendencies in children and adolescents. If you believe that you or someone you know have been harmed by the use of Paxil then knowing your next legal option should be your next step. If you would like more information on your legal options, visit with a Paxil Lawyer as soon as possible, many Paxil lawyers will give you a free consultation and not charge you unless you get compensated in your case.