What is Prozac?
Prozac, which has the generic name of fluoxetine hydrochloride, is marketed by Eli Lilly and Co. Prozac is prescribed by doctors to treat such ailments as obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic attack, depression, and certain eating disorders. Prozac is a member of the class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, also commonly referred to as SSRIs. These SSRIs are designed to work by increasing the activity of the neurotransmitter chemical known as serotonin in the brain. Other popular SSRIs include the widely prescribed Zoloft and Paxil. Prozac received its FDA approval in 1987 and is the only antidepressant that has been approved in the United States for use in treating children and teenagers.
Prozac and Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Some of the common side effects of Prozac may include anxiety, drowsiness, nausea, trembling, difficulty sleeping, decreased appetite, sexual side effects including decreased sex drive or ability, rash, hives, and restlessness. The use of SSRIs, including Prozac, may be linked to gastrointestinal bleeding similar to the internal bleeding that has been linked to NSAIDs such as aspirin, naproxen, and ibuprofen. A report by the Northwestern University Medical School found that the use of this category of antidepressants is linked to the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding similarly to NSAIDS. The study examined the records of 549 patients in hospitals with acute gastrointestinal bleeding. Patients who take SSRIs and NSAIDs together should be aware of the increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. An additional study, published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, reports a 2.6 fold increase in the risk of bleeding events in antidepressants with a high degree of inhibition of serotonin reuptake, when compared with those with a lower degree of serotonin reuptake inhibition. The study examined 64,000 patients who had been recently prescribed antidepressants like Paxil and Prozac. Of these patients, 196 suffered from abnormal bleeding.
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Prozac Black Box Warning and Child Suicide
In 2004, the FDA issued a public health advisory concerning antidepressants and possible links to an increase in child suicide ideation. Some reports indicate that approximately, 2 to 3 percent of children who take antidepressants have increased suicidal thoughts or actions. The increased risk of suicidal activity is believed to be greatest when the antidepressant is first prescribed or when there is a change in dosage. Patients should be closely monitored for changes in mood or behavior and for suicidal thoughts or actions, especially when beginning treatment with antidepressants. This report was based on the review of 24 trials involving over 4,400 patients who were being treated with antidepressants. In order to alert patients and physicians of the risk of increased suicidal thoughts or actions associated with antidepressants, the FDA has ordered the manufacturers of antidepressants, including Eli Lilly the manufacturer of Prozac, to include a "black box warning" on the drug labels. The black box warning is the strongest warning the FDA has at its disposal. The material included in the black box warning must be incorporated on the label as well as all advertisements for the drugs. Prozac is included amongst those drugs required to carry the new warning along with other popular antidepressants including Wellbutrin, Zoloft, and, Paxil.
Questions and Consultations
If you or a family member has used the prescription drug Prozac and noticed adverse side effects, such as gastrointestinal bleeding or suicidal thoughts, you should contact a physician immediately. If you would like to discuss your rights, are interested in more information on Prozac litigation, or if you have information about the cases that you would like to share with us, please fill out the short evaluation form below and a member of Seeger Weiss LLP's experienced staff will call you to discuss your potential rights concerning Prozac. Attorney consultations incur no obligation on your part and all initial consultations are free of charge and do not create an attorney-client relationship. Seeger Weiss LLP has office locations in both New York and New Jersey and its attorneys practice in courts throughout the country.
Link To Lawyer Seek's Prozac Content:
<a href='http://www.lawyerseek.com/Practice/Pharmaceutical-Injury-C1/Prozac-P81/'>Prozac: Lawyer Seek</a> |
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