Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, are routinely prescribed to treat depression and other mental health disorders. The medications are generally safe to take, but there is a possibility that you could experience side effects. For some people, those side effects can be mild. For others, they could have a serious impact on their lives. If you suffered severe side effects from taking SSRIs, here is what you need to know.
What Are the Possible Side Effects?
Before you can take legal action, it is important that you can link the symptoms you are experiencing with the use of the SSRIs. There are several symptoms that you could experience, including nausea, joint pain, and skin rashes. Some people experience trouble with sleeping, migraine headaches, and weight gain.
SSRIs can also impact your sex life. The side effects can vary and include delayed ejaculation and an inability to experience an orgasm. For some, there is a decreased desire for having sex altogether.
There are more serious side effects that could be experienced. For instance, the use of SSRIs can increase the risk of suicidal thinking.
Who Is to Fault?
The first party you might want to hold responsible for the side effects you are experiencing is the doctor. Depending on the circumstances, you could be right. Your doctor has certain responsibilities to you and his or her other patients. If the doctor failed to fulfill his or her duties, you could hold him or her liable.
For instance, if the doctor failed to assess the SSRIs side effects and potential interactions with other drugs and prescribed it to you anyway, his or her actions could be medical malpractice.
There is also the possibility that the manufacturer of the SSRI is liable. If the medical was defectively manufactured or the manufacturer did not provide the appropriate warnings about the medication, you could have a claim.
What Do You Need to Do?
If you want to act, one of the first actions you should take is to hire a personal injury attorney. Due to the nature of the case, you will need someone who has experience in dealing with medical malpractice and product liability.
You also need to document as much as you can remember about your case. Write down what you remember from conversations, the medications you have taken, and any adjustments that were made. If the adjustments were made in response to any side effects that you experienced, note this in your records.
Your attorney will determine if you can file a lawsuit or claim and help with gathering the additional evidence needed.