Inmate Sues Drugmaker over Zoloft
Posted by Administrator (admin) on Jul 02 2009 at 2:20 PM
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OMAHA, Neb. – A Nebraska inmate who strangled his girlfriend is now suing Pfizer Inc., the maker of antidepressant Zoloft, and Richard Wurtz, the doctor who prescribed the drug. The 25-year-old Randall Robbins II alleges that he lost control after taking the drug.

Robbins murdered Brittany Eurek in 2002 when both of them were 17. Robbins and Eurek had a child together.

According to the lawsuit filed by Robbins, Pfizer failed to warn him of the adverse effects of Zoloft. The suit alleges that Zoloft increased his suicidal tendency and worsened his self-control. Both Pfizer and his doctor should have known that Zoloft could have made him attempt suicide and commit murder, Robbins argues.

Some similar lawsuits had been filed since 2004, as a result of which the antidepressants obtained new warning labels indicating the risk of suicidal behavior in people under 18. However, none of those cases have prevailed against Pfizer. According to Pfizer, Zoloft is safe and effective. Zoloft is one of the most commonly prescribed antidepressants in the United States.

Robbins is seeking a compensation of $2 million each from Pfizer and Dr. Richard Wurtz for emotional distress and physical pain. Additionally, Robbins is asking for $1 million for each year he spends in prison.

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