Paxil® is highly addictive, and users run the risk of experiencing worsening depression levels and suicidal/homicidal behavior. Withdrawal can be severe. Paxil® is an SSRI that is commonly used to treat psychological disorders, including anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, and panic disorder.
Paxil® is also very addictive, and withdrawal from Paxil® is much worse than most medications, and can be debilitating. Patients have experienced symptoms that are more severe than their original conditions, and many Paxil® users stay on the drug simply to avoid the painful withdrawal.

Like most antidepressants, Paxil® is not approved to treat Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in patients under 18 years old. Physicians are, however, afforded the ability to prescribe medications like Paxil® “off-label” for non-approved conditions they deem appropriate. It is known that Paxil®, and SSRIs in general, can lead to akathisia, or severe inner restlessness, which can lead to suicidal and homicidal tendencies.

In 2004, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that anyone beginning Paxil® treatment should be closely monitored for emerging signs of suicidal or homicidal tendencies. Shortly thereafter, a “black box” warning about increased suicidality in MDD patients was added to Paxil® labeling, but Paxil® users are urged not to discontinue use of the drug suddenly, because 20-50% of patients who discontinue Paxil® use experience withdrawal symptoms.

Withdrawal effects include anxiety, agitation, depression, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and suicidal and homicidal thoughts. Such dangerous withdrawal effects led to the FDA’s 2001 decision to add a warning to the drug stating that Paxil® could be potentially addictive.

If you or a loved one took Paxil® and suffered from frightening suicidality or debilitating withdrawal symptoms, our Philadelphia area Paxil® lawyers can help. The attorneys at the Law Firm of Eisenberg, Rothweiler, Winkler, Eisenberg & Jeck, P.C. successfully litigate Paxil® cases in Philadelphia and surrounding areas.