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Ativan is a controversial drug that contains benzodiazepine, which has been associated with a number of serious side effects as well as addiction. The drug, originally known as Lorazepam, is prescribed for panic and anxiety issues. One of the concerns raised about Ativan is the addiction factor, and the side effects that come with withdrawal with some people stop taking the drug. However, there are a many other side effects connected to Ativan.
If so, you may have a possible legal case against the manufacturer of the potentially dangerous drug or medical product. Simply fill out the short form below and an experienced legal expert will contact you as soon as possible!
Tests have indicated that Ativan could be connected to severe respiratory failure, which could prove fatal. There are also a range of behavioural and emotional side effects that may be experienced by patients taking this drug, which include: depression, suicidal tendencies, violence, aggression, hallucinations, personality changes, and other psychotic issues. In addition to this, patients can experience amnesia, long term memory loss, compulsive behaviour, and phobias.
Ativan was approved by the Food and Drugs Administration many years ago, and has been widely prescribed ever since. The drug is manufactured by Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories , who face ongoing legal action due to the harmful effects of this drug. Ativan was hailed a wonder drug when it was first prescribed during the 1970s, but patients are now filing for compensation because they were not warned of the possible dangers and side effects, many of which are serious and some fatal.
Although the drug’s manufacturer, Wyeth, did admit in the 1980s that long term use of the drug should be avoided due to the possible dangers, it has always claimed before this time that the drug was harmless. This meant that by the time the manufacturer admitted to the dangers of the drug, it was too late for many that had already been taking Ativan on a long term basis, and had suffered a variety if ill effects as a result.
Several years ago, a popular Sunday newspaper in the UK reported that they had evidence to show that even directors at Wyeth had expressed concerns in the past about the dangers of Ativan. The paper claimed that the directors had stated that the dangers of Ativan should have been researched more thoroughly, and patients should have been informed far earlier rather than letting many people become dependent on the drug first.
The paper also reported that one medical director at Wyeth, who was involved in the UK trials where Ativan was originally launched, had admitted that he had not been asked to undertake trials relating to the safety of prescribing the drug for a matter of months. He stated that he thought his was because "there was nothing to be gained by them, but everything to lose in the sense we could be courting disaster".
The side effects and dangers of Ativan have already spawned many legal cases from injured parties and relations of victims, and specialist Ativan lawyers are still working hard to fight for those that have suffered at the hands of this drug. Anyone that has suffered emotional, behavioural, mental or physical harm from taking Ativan is advised to contact an Ativan lawyer as soon as possible. Due to statutes of limitation relating to filing an Ativan claim, it is important for injured parties to seek legal advice as soon as possible.
An experienced and skilled Ativan lawyer will already have the necessary resources and knowledge to initiate a lawsuit or claim as soon as possible on behalf of claimants. These lawyers are fully trained and experienced in drug litigation, and will therefore be able to find out pertinent information in order to help your case along. Most Ativan lawyers can offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case and advise you as to the eligibility of your claim.