Parker Waichman LLP

Neurontin Should Have Had Depression Warning, Neurologist Says

A British neurologist says he advised the maker of Neurontin to include a warning on its label about its potential to cause depression and aggression, but he was ignored.  According to The Wall Street Journal, the neurologist, Michael R. Trimble from the University of London, was testifying at a hearing to decide whether civil cases […]

A British neurologist says he advised the maker of <"https://www.yourlawyer.com/topics/overview/neurontin">Neurontin to include a warning on its label about its potential to cause depression and aggression, but he was ignored.  According to The Wall Street Journal, the neurologist, Michael R. Trimble from the University of London, was testifying at a hearing to decide whether civil cases brought against Pfizer alleging suicides linked to Neurontin can proceed.

Neurontin was approved for sale in the mid-1990s as a treatment for epileptic seizures. While Neurontin is approved for the treatment of epilepsy, it has been used “off-label” to treat a wide range of other conditions, including bipolar disorder, ADHD and Migraines.

Earlier this month, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) directed the makers of 11 epilepsy drugs, including Neurontin, to add new warnings to their labels about the drugs’ potential to cause suicidal thoughts and behavior.  The FDA began investigating if epilepsy drugs posed any suicide risk in 2005. In doing so, the FDA analyzed almost 200 studies of 11 anti-seizure drugs, some that have been on the market for decades. The studies tracked almost 28,000 people given epilepsy medications and another 16,000 given dummy pills.

According to the FDA, 0.43 percent of drug-treated patients experienced suicidal thoughts or behavior, compared with 0.22 percent of placebo-takers. The higher risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors was observed at one week after starting a drug and continued to at least 24 weeks. The results were generally consistent among all the different drug products studied and were seen in all demographic subgroups. Overall, four people in the drug-treated groups committed suicide, and none in the placebo groups. For every 1,000 patients, about two more patients taking epilepsy drugs experienced suicidal thoughts than those who took placebo.

According to The Wall Street Journal, Dr. Trimble testified that  in 1995 and 1996, he was hired to write two confidential reports for Parke-Davis — now a unit of Pfizer — because the company “was concerned about psychosis” as a potential side effect of Neurontin.   Dr. Trimble said he was unable to find a link to psychosis, but did find one between the drug and depression and aggression. For the 1996 report, Dr. Trimble analyzed nine patients who had no previous symptoms of the side effects.   Five of those patients exhibited depression and aggression after they had begun taking Neurontin. Dr. Trimble said he recommended to the company that the drug “should carry some kind of warning” for susceptible patients.

Dr. Trimble’s testimony was part of a hearing that was jointly held by judges for U.S. District Court in Boston and a New York state court who are hearing similar cases. According to The Wall Street Journal, various lawsuits have been consolidated in the federal court in which plaintiffs allege more than 100 suicides were connected to Neurontin usage.

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
I was truly blessed to work with the Law Firm of PW Parker/ Waichman LLP to resolve a claim.I was assigned to work with one of their Paralegals by the name of Benita Rollins. I would like to say it was a pleasure and honor to work with this individual who had a willingness and eagerness to always be of assistance and answer any questions or concerns I had. Ms. Rollins would always make herself available as needed and follow up with me as needed. I would recommend this firm to anyone who may need legal advice because I believe you are in great hands. Ms. Devalerie Robinson
Valerie Robinson
2 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Positive: Professionalism , Quality , Value Ashley Lopilato was excellent and very supportive. She is a compassionate and caring young lady. She worked closely with me throughout this process. I highly recommend her to anyone needing an attorney. Thank you Ashley.
Katherine austin
3 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Positive: Professionalism , Quality , Responsiveness , Value Parker Waichman did a great job on my claim — they were always very professional and they worked quickly and effectively. Stacie was great! Gina was as well.
Harris Paltrowitz
3 years ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038