Suicide and Anti-Depressants

Antidepressants such as Paxil, Prozac, and Luvox are in a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, known as SSRIs. These medications increase the biochemical serotonin in the brain, which is responsible for many things, from your mood to appetite, ability to sleep, and other behavior. It is believed that people who are depressed lack sufficient serotonin, which is why these drugs are prescribed in the millions every year. Experts, however, report that too much serotonin can become an "excitotoxin," which can lead to side effects such as facial tics, hallucinations, dizziness, addiction, and homicidal or suicidal behavior.

Several cases of suicidal behavior in people taking SSRIs have ended up in lawsuits. A Wyoming jury in 2001 determined that Paxil caused a man to take the lives of his wife, daughter, and granddaughter before killing himself. The surviving family was given $8 million in damages by the jury. In the lawsuit, it was determined that Paxil's manufacturer had suppressed evidence of the addictive quality of the drug.

In another case in Portland, Oregon a man was prescribed two antidepressants by his doctor which led to an attempted suicide which left him permanently disfigured. The man sued his doctor for criminal negligence and a jury agreed with him, awarding him $5 million in damages. Finally, in the Columbine school massacre one of the two high school seniors responsible for the deaths of 12 students and a teacher was a young man who had been taking the antidepressant drug called Luvox.

Medical Malpractice Firm in Atlanta, Georgia

Negligence on the part of doctors as well as pharmaceutical companies can result in tragedies such as those mentioned above. When people suffer health damage, injury, or lose their lives due to negligence, misconduct, or departure from accepted standards of care, they may have grounds for a medical malpractice claim. Such claims can be complicated and difficult, given the fact that many of these claims are brought against large corporations and / or insurance carriers.

The Tolson Firm, LLC is a medical malpractice law firm based in Atlanta with an impressive record of case results. When it comes to seeking justice and restitution, this is a firm that will greatly enhance your chances of success. The firm handles all types of medical malpractice cases, from birth injuries to anesthesia error, misdiagnosis, surgical errors, and more. Lead attorney Tolson has been named one of the Top 100 Female Lawyers in the state and has been recognized by Super Lawyers. If you or a loved one has been victimized by medical malpractice, contact the firm for a free case evaluation as soon as possible.