It is estimated that children and adolescents make up about 8 percent of patients prescribed antidepressant drugs in the U.S., constituting over 10 million prescriptions dispensed for patients younger than 18 years in 2003. These drugs include Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, Wellbutrin and Celexa.

In October 2004 the US Food and Drug Administration ruled that the labels of antidepressants used by children must include a tough "black box" warning about the risk of increased suicidal tendencies in young people. Such warnings are used to signal extremely serious side effects for a prescription drug.

The decision to add the warning came after a study of 4,582 patients in 24 drug trials which found that about four children and adolescents of every 100 who took antidepressant drugs reported suicidal thoughts or behavior, twice the number among those who took dummy pills. The detailed results of the study, which was conducted in 2004, were published in early March 2006.

The recommendation applies to all antidepressants, including newer categories such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and older categories, such as tricyclics. Antidepressant prescription drugs developed for adults are regularly prescribed to young persons even though most have never been specifically approved for use by depressed children and adolescents.

In September 2005, the FDA warned that prescription drug Strattera, which is used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), may prompt suicidal thoughts in children. The agency directed the drug's manufacturer, Eli Lilly & Co., to add a black box warning to the medication's label. The warning followed an analysis of a dozen clinical trials involving Strattera. About five patients reported suicidal "ideation," or thoughts. One participant attempted suicide, the FDA said.

Parents of children prescribed antidepressant medications who committed suicide (and children of adults who committed suicide) have filed wrongful death lawsuits claiming that the pharmaceutical companies failed to disclose the link between the drugs and increased suicidal thoughts and behavior.

The law in most states provides several personal injury claims for persons who have been seriously injured by a prescription drug with dangerous, undisclosed side effects. These claims include strict liability for a defective product, breach of warranty, negligence, and misrepresentation.

Damages sought against manufacturers of an allegedly dangerous prescription drug typically include:

• Physical pain and suffering

• Mental anguish and physical impairment

• Medical expenses associated with the injuries

• Loss of earnings and/or earning capacity

For persons who have died, family members can bring a wrongful death action. If you feel that you have the basis for a wrongful death suit, contact us immediately. Call Brown & Crouppen Toll Free: 1-888-891-2022 for your free legal consultation or save time with our online Contact Form.