Also known as Paroxetine, Paxil is a member of a group of antidepressant drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Introduced to the market in 1992 by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), Paxil has quickly become one of the most popular prescription drugs in its field. There were also several clinical trials showing Paxil’s efficacy in both adults and in adolescents by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
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 favorable results in the group given Paxil, as they showed less symptoms of depression 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.
In children and teenagers however, it has been shown that Paxil does not work efficiently in this group. There have been results that show that Paxil can actually cause an increase in risk of suicidal ideation and suicidal behavior in children and adolescents. There have been two different studies were made on observing these suicidal tendencies in children and adolescents while taking Paxil. A FDA statistical analysis showed a 2.7% raise in suicidal tendencies in children and adolescents compared to those who took the placebo. A University of North Carolina review of Paxil use in teenagers and children also showed a 4% raise of suicidal tendencies in the Paxil users compared to a 2% rise in the placebo users.
Recent studies have shown that Paxil can work well in adults; however these studies have also 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. For more information on any potential legal action you may take, visit with a Paxil lawyer as soon as possible, most lawyers will give you a free consultation and many will not charge you unless your case receives compensation by the courts.
