Personal Injury Law

Psychiatrist Prescribes Drug That Leaves Man Disabled

By Steven M. Levin and John J. Perconti

A patient has filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against his psychiatrist, alleging the doctor prescribed a medication for an off-label use that left him permanently disabled. The patient had been referred to the psychiatrist for depression and anxiety but also had a history of diabetes, hypertension and hyperlipidemia. The patient was prescribed Geodon at 40 mg per day dose, ?which would constitute an off-label use?. The medical malpractice lawsuit states that the psychiatrist did not warn the patient of the potential of the major side effects of extrapyramidal symptoms and tardive dyskinesia. After problems with involuntary movements of the fingers and drooping eyes, the patient sought the help of a specialist. The specialist found that the patient had tardive blepharospasm and tardive dyskinesia induced by Geodon and Zoloft. The plaintiff is seeking damages of loss of earning capacity, disfigurement, medical expense and the loss of enjoyment of life. To read the full story, click here.

Full post as published by Illinois Medical Malpractice Blog on September 09, 2008 (boomark / email).