Georgia Injury Lawyers Blog
Methadone and other Opioids
Methadone is an opioid medication that is commonly prescribed to heroin users to reduce withdrawal symptoms while they are detoxing from the drug. It can be very beneficial to those who are trying to fight addiction because it acts as a pain reliever but it does not cause the “high” that is associated with the user’s drug addiction. However, methadone is still an opioid and its use can cause overdose or death. Additionally, methadone is highly addictive, and patients who kick the heroin habit by taking it often merely replace one addiction with another.
Ambien
Ambien is a sedative that is commonly prescribed to treat insomnia. Although most patients who are prescribed Ambien obtain a positive outcome from the medication, one of its major side effects is that it can cause users to engage in activities like driving, eating, making phone calls, and engaging in sexual activity while they are asleep. These types of behaviors are not only risky for the patient, but for others around him.
Yaz
Yaz is a prescription birth control pill. Unlike other birth control pills, it contains a synthetic form of the hormone progesterone and generally provides users with an increased dose of hormones. Since Yaz launched in 2006, it was discovered that women who take it have a risk of blood clots that is six to seven times that of women who do not take birth control.
SSRIs
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are used to treat a wide variety of psychological disorders, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, panic disorder, and eating disorders. Common brand names include Prozac, Paxil, Lexapro, and Zoloft. While most SSRI users report no issues with the drugs, they can cause very serious side effects, including suicidal thoughts, fatigue and lethargy, sexual problems, and Antidepressant Discontinuation Syndrome.
Accutane
Accutane is a medication that is used to treat severe acne by decreasing facial oil production. It is not dangerous for men or for women who are not sexually active, but it carries an extremely high risk of birth defects in women who are pregnant or may become pregnant. This risk is so high, in fact, that heterosexual female users who are sexually active are required to have two negative pregnancy tests before they start taking it, have a negative pregnancy test once a month before they fill their prescription, and demonstrate that they use two forms of birth control together.
Call an Atlanta Medical Malpractice Lawyer Today
Taking any one of the above medications requires very careful consideration and monitoring by your doctor. If you have been injured by one of the drugs above (or any other drug), you may have a medical malpractice claim. Contact the attorneys at Slappey & Sadd for a free consultation to discuss your case by calling 404.255.6677. We serve the entire state of Georgia, including the following locations: Lagrange, Roseville, and Loganville.