Paxil Side Effect - Suicide
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has identified a possible correlation between antidepressants, like Paxil, and increase thoughts or attempts of suicide. As part of their Medication Guide, the FDA has provided guidance about using antidepressants in children and teenagers -- see side box for more information.
Further, the FDA has informed health care professionals and patients about the chance that those taking Paxil may be more inclined to think about or attempt suicide. As part of their Patient Information Sheet, the FDA states the following:
Persons taking Paxil may be more likely to think about killing themselves or actually try to do so, especially when Paxil is first started or the dose is changed. People close to persons taking Paxil can help by paying attention to changes in user’s moods or actions. Contact your healthcare professional right away if someone using Paxil talks about or shows signs of killing him or herself. If you are taking Paxil yourself and you start thinking about killing yourself, tell your healthcare professional about this side effect right away.
Paxil Suicide - Pediatric patients
It is important to note that the FDA has identified possible issues with antidepressants and pediatric patients. If you or your love one is currently taking Paxil please note the FDA warning:
All pediatric patients being treated with antidepressants for any indication should be observed closely for clinical worsening, suicidality, and unusual changes in behavior, especially during the initial few months of a course of drug therapy, or at times of dose changes, either increases or decreases.
Paxil Suicide - Studies
Results from 24 trials with more than 4400 patients indicate the average risk of suicidal thinking or behavior was twice as much for those taking an antidepressant versus those taking a placebo. Below is an example of a FDA warning label placed on drugs such as Paxil:
Suicidality in Children and Adolescents Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) in short-term studies in children and adolescents with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders. Anyone considering the use of Paxil or any other antidepressant in a child or adolescent must balance this risk with the clinical need. Patients who are started on therapy should be observed closely for clinical worsening, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior. Families and caregivers should be advised of the need for close observation and communication with the prescriber. Paxil is not approved for use in pediatric patients. (See Warnings and Precautions: Pediatric Use)
Pooled analyses of short-term (4 to 16 weeks) placebo-controlled trials of 9 antidepressant drugs (SSRIs and others) in children and adolescents with major depressive disorder (MDD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), or other psychiatric disorders (a total of 24 trials involving over 4400 patients) have revealed a greater risk of adverse events representing suicidal thinking or behavior (suicidality) during the first few months of treatment in those receiving antidepressants. The average risk of such events in patients receiving antidepressants was 4%, twice the placebo risk of 2%. No suicides occurred in these trials.
Paxil Medical and Legal Assistance
If you believe that you or a love one has suffered a personal injury as a result of taking the drug Paxil, PaxilNews.com has the contacts to assist you.
If you have concerns regarding the latest FDA medical warnings relating to Paxil, please ask our registered nurse. Please note that if your situation requires immediate attention, you should contact your own physician first.
If you would like a no-cost consultation regarding a possible Paxil lawsuit, please use our Paxil Lawyers online form or contact Clark, Dean, Burnett, G.P at 1.888.529.5222.