Mass Joinder Suit Involving 68 Plaintiffs Who Suffered Paxil Withdrawal Symptoms Filed in Wash. Federal Court

SEATTLE - More than 60 Washington state residents are named as plaintiffs in a mass joinder suit claiming that attempts to taper or discontinue the use of SmithKline Beecham's (SKB) antidepressant Paxil resulted in adverse events such as dizziness, jolting electric "zaps," agitation, insomnia, seizures, self-harm and suicidal behavior. Lorilee Anderson, et al., v. SmithKline Beecham Corporation, et al., No. 03-CV-02886-RSL (W.D. Wash.).

The lawsuit filed Sept. 22 in the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington asserts claims of fraud and deceit, negligence, strict products liability, breach of express warranty, breach of implied warranty and violations …