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Houston Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) Lawyer

SSRI Attorneys

SSRI Attorneys

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a class of antidepressant medications that are prescribed to treat Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and various anxiety disorders. Since the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Prozac (fluoxetine) in 1987,1 various other SSRIs have been developed – and SSRIs have become one of the most widely prescribed antidepressants in the U.S.

Despite their popularity and effectiveness, however, SSRIs have been linked to a number of serious side effects, the worst of which can be deadly.

If you or a loved one has suffered any serious SSRI complications, the dangerous drug lawyers at the Amaro Law Firm are ready to help you seek compensation and justice. Devoted to providing superior advocacy and compassionate, personal service, our attorneys can help you determine if you have an SSRI claim – and, if so, help you position your claim for success and the maximum financial recovery.

SSRIs are antidepressants linked to suicidal thoughts, birth defects, and more. SSRI patients who develop serious complications can be entitled to compensation for their injuries and losses.

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Background on SSRIs:  How They Work

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors work by increasing serotonin levels while limiting the reabsorption (or reuptake) of this neurotransmitter by certain cells. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter (a chemical released by nerve cells) that is believed to control mood, as well as various biological processes, including digestion, sleep and sexual function.

Along with MDD, SSRIs are prescribed to treat conditions like (but not necessarily limited to):

  • Bipolar disorder
  • Eating disorders
  • Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
  • Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
  • Panic disorder
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Social anxiety disorder and social phobia.

While some SSRIs are approved for use in children who are as young as 8 or 12 years old, some may also be prescribed for use during pregnancy when the benefits outweigh the potential risks.

Common, milder side effects associated with SSRI use include (but may not be limited to):

  • Diarrhea
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Dry mouth
  • Insomnia
  • Nausea
  • Nervousness
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Weight gain.

Generally, these side effects are more likely to arise with higher doses of SSRIs, and they dissipate as the body becomes accustomed to the drug or after use of the drug stops.

According to the latest data on SSRIs:2

  • About 1 in 8 people over the age of 12 in the U.S. has taken an SSRI medication within the past month.
  • About 25 percent of those who have taken an SSRI within the past month have been using the SSRI medication for at least 10 years.
  • Females are two times more likely than males to take SSRIs.
  • Since 1999, SSRI use in the U.S. has surged dramatically, increasing by nearly 65 percent.
Types of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor Drugs
Serious SSRI Side Effects & Complications
FDA Warnings about SSRIs
SSRI Lawsuits & Multidistrict Litigation (MDL)
Find Out More about Your Potential Claim: Contact a Dangerous Drug Lawyer at the Amaro Law Firm