Whenever you or someone in your family is prescribed a medication, it is important to do your research and identify potential drug risk factors. Equally important is complete disclosure by the FDA and major pharmaceutical companies as to any risks, side effects or potential damage these drugs may cause. In the case of anti-depressants, ADD and ADHD medications and other psychiatric drugs it can be even more important. In many instances, these drugs are being prescribed to children, pregnant women and other people who may not be cognizant of the risk factors and may only be focusing on a potential solution to an overwhelming emotional or mental problem.
Part of the issue is that some of these medications are so well marketed that they explode in popularity before any long term health risks or specific problems can come to light. Although the FDA puts medications through their own rigorous vetting process, major side effects and long term problems still come to light after a product has been approved for mass consumption by the American public.
For example, although it is effective in treating ADHD in millions of children, Adderall has been linked to multiple suicides, sudden deaths and cardiovascular damage in both adults and children. Likewise, Paxil has saved millions of people from depression but it is now not recommended as an antidepressant for children because it can provoke suicidal thoughts as well as some violent behavior. Paxil has also been identified as a medication that brings heavy withdrawal symptoms from simple migraine headaches to psychotic and hallucination episodes.
Families of drugs are equally susceptible to the fallibility of initial drug trials. It also took time for the link between SSRI (serotonin reuptake inhibitors) antidepressants and serious birth issues to come to light. It is now recommended that pregnant women avoid these drugs so as not to increase the chances of fetal heart abnormalities or syndromes like Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension which can result in persistent neurological damage and death in newborn babies.
Psychological drugs like antidepressants, ADHD medication, drugs to treat OCD, anxiety disorders and other mental challenges have offered respite and comfort to millions of people worldwide. It is very important though that any concerns, side effects and common problems are brought to light as quickly as possible. The FDA does revisit warning labels on drugs and does issue recalls or withdrawals when necessary but they will only do it when a sufficient number of people come forward with proof about what the drug has done.
If you, your child or someone that you know and love has been adversely affected by a psychological drug, antidepressant or ADD/ADHD medication, you should contact a product liability of defective drug attorney immediately. Not only could you secure financial compensation for any medical bills and costs, but you could also be helping to save others from suffering from any unnecessary problems or complications. A qualified product liability attorney or defective drug attorney can advise you as to the viability of your case and can help you get the redress you deserve.