Celexa Lawsuit

Celexa Increases Suicidal Thoughts in Children

Celexa (citalopram) has been shown to increase suicidal thoughts in children and teens. Celexa is an antidepressant drug, which is prescribed to treat depression and other mood disorders. Celexa is part of a class of drugs called SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). Drugs like Celexa increase suicidal thoughts and behavior in children and teens.

Celexa is designed to restore the balance of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a naturally occurring substance in the brain and helps improve mood. Celexa was approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) is 1999. Celexa is used to treat major depression, panic attacks and social anxiety disorder. In addition to the very serious side effects of increased suicidal thoughts and behavior, Celexa has other side effects. These side effects include, dizziness, sleepiness, insomnia, shakiness, vision changes, upper respiratory infections, sexual dysfunction and personality changes.

Not all antidepressants are designed for children and teens. According to the Medication Guide for Celexa, “antidepressant medicines may increase suicidal thoughts or actions in some children, teenagers, and young adults within the first few months of treatment.” The F.D.A. also warned that not all antidepressant medicines prescribed for children are FDA approved for use in children.

In fact, the FDA did not approve Celexa for use in children and teens. The FDA also required a Black Box Warning to tell patients of the dangers of Celexa for children and teens. By not approving Celexa for use in children, Forest Laboratories is legally barred from marketing Celexa to be used in children and teens. However, doctors were prescribing Celexa for children and teens. This is called “off label” use. It is this off label use that is so dangerous to children. Doctors and Forest Laboratories, Celexa’s manufacturer, are putting children and teens in serious danger.

Forest Laboratories actually concealed a negative study regarding Celexa. The study showed that Celexa was ineffective in treating children and teens for depression. In addition, the study showed Celexa actually increased the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in pediatric patients. As a result of Forest Laboratories’ lies, children and teens are at risk. The Department of Justice and the NY Attorney General are currently investigating Forest Laboratories for wrongdoing.

PLEASE SPEAK WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE DISCONTINUING THE USE OF CELEXA OR ANY OTHER PERSCRIPTION MEDICATION.

Please contact the law offices of d'Oliveira & Associates at 1-800-992-6878 or fill out a contact form for a free legal consultation.