Wellbutrin
US, Canada and Puerto Rico
Wellbutrin (generic bupropion) produced by GlaxoSmithKline and prescribed for depression, smoking cessation, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obesity, and sexual dysfunction, has been on the market since 1985. Since the approval of Wellbutrin, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also approved variations of the drug including Wellbutrin SR and Wellbutrin XL. If the name GlaxoSmithKline sounds familiar, that's because GSK also makes the very well known and now infamous type 2 diabetes drug, Avandia which has come under fire for causing very serious adverse effects such as cardiac events and death.
Dangerous Side Effects
In the last two decades, Wellbutrin has become the fourth most-prescribed anti-depressant in the United States with sales in excess of $20 million. But despite its popularity and efficacy, Wellbutrin has been known to cause serious side effects including:
- Depression
- Psychological disturbances
- Mania
- Memory problems
- Changes in personality
- Psychosis
- Severe allergic reactions
- Seizures
- Suicidal thoughts and behaviors
According to the FDA, from 1997 to 2003, over 460 deaths were attributed to Wellbutrin side effects. Even more disturbing is that the FDA believes that only 1-10% of Wellbutrin deaths were even reported during that time period, which means the actual number of Wellbutrin-associated deaths may be well over 4,000.
Other recent studies also indicate that taking Wellbutrin during the first trimester of pregnancy can lead to an increased risk of the child being born with a congenital heart defect. One specific heart defect known as left outflow heart defect restricts blood flow from the left chamber of the heart to the rest of body. It can be surgically corrected but the medical bills can be daunting.
If you or a loved one has taken the anti-depressant Wellbutrin for smoking cessation, obesity, sexual dysfunction, or some other medical problem and has suffered adverse effects or death, please contact the product liability attorneys at Balkin & Eisbrouch today. We serve clients all over the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico and can help you receive the compensation to which you are entitled after taking this dangerous drug.
