Houston Lexapro Lawyer
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Lexapro Dangerous Drug Attorneys
Lexapro (escitalopram) is an oral medication prescribed to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Made by Forest Laboratories, LLC (Forest, a subsidiary of Allergen), Lexapro was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in August 2002.1
Since then, it has been linked to some serious side effects, including suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
The dangerous drug lawyers at the Amaro Law Firm are ready to help you seek compensation and justice if you or a loved one has suffered serious Lexapro complications. Dedicated to providing superior advocacy and personal service, our attorneys can help you determine if you have a Lexapro claim.
Lexapro is an SSRI linked to suicidal thoughts, birth defects, and more. Lexapro patients who develop serious complications can take action to hold Forest Laboratories accountable.
Background on Lexapro: Uses & How It Works
Classified as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) drug, Lexapro is FDA approved for the treatment of MDD and GAD in adults and children over the age of 12.
Lexapro works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain to restore the brain's overall chemical balance. Produced by nerve cells, serotonin is a chemical that is believed to regulate mood, happiness and anxiety, as well as play an important role in other bodily processes, like digestion and sleeping.
Generally, Lexapro takes several weeks to start working. When it does take effect, it typically relieves physical symptoms and sleeping problems first.
Common side effects that are associated with Lexapro use and that tend to dissipate as the body adapts to the medication can include (and may not be limited to):
Sexual side effects, such as decreased libido and impotence.
Lexapro may be prescribed to pregnant women when "the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus," according to the FDA. Lexapro is not, however, indicated for use by those taking certain medications, such as:
Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Axert, Frova, and other triptan-based migraine medications
Warfarin, a blood-thinning medication.
Lexapro Injuries & Complications
Lexapro has been associated with some serious side effects, the worst of which can be potentially deadly. These include (but may not be limited to):
Serotonin syndrome, which can be marked by agitation, fever, muscle rigidity and seizures – Left untreated, this condition can be fatal.
Suicidal thoughts and actions – This side effect tends to arise in the first weeks of taking Lexapro. Patients with the greatest risk of developing this Lexapro complication include those under 25 years old, those who have (or who have a family history of) bipolar disorder and those who have previously attempted suicide.
Birth defects and autism – Heart defects, persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN), cleft palate and respiratory distress are among the birth defects that can reportedly be caused by Lexapro use during pregnancy. Additionally, Lexapro use during pregnancy has been linked to an increased risk of autism in babies. A 2015 study found that taking Lexapro, especially during the second and third trimesters, could double the risk of autism in newborns.2
FDA Lexapro Warnings
The FDA has taken action to warn the public about the serious side effects linked to Lexapro use. The first FDA warning came in October 2004, when regulators ordered Forest to add a black box warning to Lexapro packaging and marketing materials.3
The black box warning, the most serious FDA warning that indicates the potential for deadly side effects, explains the risk of developing suicidal thoughts and behaviors when using Lexapro.
In 2006, the FDA issued another Lexapro warning, this time alerting the public to the drug's link to birth defects and autism when used by pregnant women.
Lexapro Lawsuits & Financial Recoveries
Many of those who have been harmed by Lexapro have already taken action against Forest, filing lawsuits to hold this drug maker accountable for the injuries and losses caused by Lexapro. These lawsuits generally allege that Forest:
Failed to warn the public about the serious, potentially deadly side effects associated with Lexapro
Misrepresented the safety of Lexapro
Illegally marketed Lexapro for non-approved uses, like prescribing the drug to children younger than 12 years old.
If you or a loved one has been harmed by Lexapro, it is not too late to file a claim against Forest and seek compensation for losses like (but not limited to):
Past and future medical bills
Lost earnings
While no sum of money can ever reverse the permanent losses caused by Lexapro, these financial recoveries can be the key to restoring lives and gaining some justice.
Find Out More about Your Potential Lexapro Claim: Contact a Dangerous Drug Lawyer at the Amaro Law Firm
A dangerous drug lawyer at the Amaro Law Firm is ready to help you if you or a loved one has been seriously injured by Lexapro.
Call (713) 352-7975, Text (281) 612-8024, or Contact Our Firm for Your FREE Consultation and helpful advice regarding your potential claim.
Backed by more than 20 years of legal experience, our attorneys have the insight, skills, and resources you can count on for exceptional advocacy.
Representing individuals and families from across the U.S. in Lexapro claims, we have a proven record of success in dangerous drug claims (and other personal injury claims), as affirmed by testimonials from our former clients and our 5-star ratings on Google and Facebook.
1: FDA Approval for Lexapro
2: 2015 Lexapro Study
3: 2004 FDA Lexapro Black Box Warning
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