En esta página
Medicamentos antidepresivos y antipsicóticos
Anti-depressant and anti-psychotic drugs are often prescribed to treat various medical problems. As the name indicates, an anti-depressant is given to people who have depression (also called major depressive disorder or dysthymic disorder). While patients cannot be cured, these drugs are used to help lessen their symptoms and allow them to live their lives. Anti-psychotics aid people with major depression, mania, or bipolar disorder. Oftentimes these drugs cause side effects that can lead to serious injury or even death.
If you or your loved one have experienced dangerous side effects from taking anti-depressants or anti-psychotics, call an Ohio personal injury attorney at Kisling, Nestico & Redick at 1-800-HURT-NOW to schedule a free case consultation.
Serious Side Effects of Anti-Depressants and Anti-Psychotics
Patients on anti-depressants can experience minor, but irritating issues like dry mouth, constipation or diarrhea, and loss of appetite. These drugs can also cause more intense problems such as internal bleeding, blood pressure issues, kidney failure, eyesight problems like blurred vision, and heart attacks.
People on anti-psychotics may suffer from symptoms that mirror those of Parkinson’s disease, including tremors, muscle ticks or spasms, or restlessness.
The Black Box Warning
Doctors often treat depression in both adults and children using selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). While SSRIs have proven to be effective treatment options, they can also expose the patient to other problems. Clinical studies show that children and adolescents taking SSRIs may experience increased thoughts of suicide, which can push these young patients to attempt suicide. To prove it was the drug that induced these thoughts – and not the depressive state of mind – doctors conducted a trial with 2,200 children. Some were given the SSRI, while some took a sugar pill. Of the 2,200 patients, 4% of those taking the SSRI experienced suicidal thoughts or behavior, double the amount found in patients taking the sugar pill.
These results caused the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to give “black box warnings” to many SSRIs, which are used most often when treating depressed children and adolescents. A black box warning is the most serious warning the FDA issues, given to prescription drugs (not just anti-depressants) that is indicated by the black box that surrounds it. Patients must heed these warnings, and carefully observe any side effects so that they can try to avoid possibly devastating results. In the case of SSRIs, the black box warning indicates that young people taking the drug must be closely monitored for changes in behavior and increased thoughts of suicide.
¿Tienes un caso? Solicita hoy mismo tu evaluación 100 % gratuita
