Methylene Blue is administered in the event that a patient is suffering from methemoglobinemia, vasoplegic syndrome, ifosfamide-induced encephalopathy or cyanide poisoning. It is also indicated for the use as a dye in therapeutic and diagnostic applications. However, recent studies suggest that Methylene Blue may be responsible for a number of serious central nervous system reactions when given to patients who are already taking specific psychiatric medications. Patients who have received Methylene Blue treatment may be at an increased risk of developing a severe, life-threatening drug reaction known as serotonin syndrome.
If you or a loved one has been injured by Methylene Blue, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free confidential case evaluation. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.
Methylene Blue Lawsuit Overview
Methylene blue is administered in the treatment of methemoglobinemia, vasoplegic syndrome, ifosfamide-induced encephalopathy, and cyanide poisoning. It also serves as a dye in both therapeutic and diagnostic applications. Due to the oxidizing agent properties that Methylene Blue demonstrates as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), it has served as a viable option in the treatment of a number of complications since the late 1800’s.
Methylene Blue is an extremely potent, reversible MAOI that halts the spread of harmful bacteria. In doing so, it inhibits the action of monoamine oxidase A, an enzyme responsible for dissolving concentrations of serotonin in the brain. As a result, Methylene Blue is able to assist in the treatment of methemoglobinemia, vasoplegic syndrome, ifosfamide-induced encephalopathy or cyanide poisoning.
Unfortunately, the use of MAOI’s, such as Methylene Blue, may put a patient at risk of developing severe reactions. Recent studies suggest that when it is given to patients taking serotonergic psychiatric medications, high levels of serotonin can build up in the brain, causing toxicity. Popular serotonergic psychiatric medications includeProzac, Zoloft, Lexapro, and Effexor. As a result, excess serotonin in the brain can lead to adverse circumstances. An event such as this may be responsible for patients developing a severe, life-threatening drug reaction known as serotonin syndrome. Due to the severity of serotonin syndrome, patients may contact a Methylene Blue lawyer at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP for a free case evaluation of their potential Methylene Blue lawsuit.
Methylene Blue Side Effects
The side effects listed below have been linked to the use of Methylene Blue:
- Serotonin Syndrome
- Extreme mental changes
- Confusion
- Hyperactivity
- Increased heart rate
- Memory problems
- Muscle twitching
- Excessive sweating
- Shivering
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Hallucinations
- Rapid changes in blood pressure
- Fever
Due to the severity of these side effects, patients may contact a Methylene Blue lawyer at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP for a free case evaluation of their potential Methylene Blue lawsuit.
Methylene Blue Serotonin Syndrome
Methylene Blue serotonin syndrome most often occurs in the presence of multiple drugs that are intended to affect the body’s level of serotonin. The FDA has acknowledged reports of severe central nervous system (CNS) reactions when Methylene Blue is given to patients taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI’s). These drugs, known as serotonergic psychiatric medications, are more commonly known by their brand-names (Prozac, Zoloft, Celexa, Lexapro, and Effexor). Each of which, have the ability to alter the amount of serotonin in the brain.
Evidence suggests that when Methylene Blue is given to patients taking serotonergic psychiatric medications, high levels of serotonin may accumulate in the brain, causing a toxic environment. The drug reaction that ensues may cause mental changes (confusion, hyperactivity, memory problems), muscle twitching, excessive sweating, shivering or shaking, diarrhea, trouble with coordination and/or fever.
Serotonin syndrome typically does not cause any adverse health events once serotonin levels are back to normal. However, if neglected, severe serotonin syndrome may lead to unconsciousness and death. Due to the severity of serotonin syndrome, you may want to consider speaking with our lawyers to see if you meet the requirements to file a Methylene Blue lawsuit.
Methylene Blue Serotonin Syndrome Case Report
The following case report demonstrates the dangers associated with taking Methylene Blue, while already receiving treatment from serotonergic psychiatric medications such as Prozac, Zoloft, Celexa, Lexapro, and Effexor:
Methylene Blue was administered to a 58-yr-old woman undergoing a parathyroidectomy under general anesthesia. The patient had a background of obsessive compulsive disorder treated with paroxetine. Postoperatively, she demonstrated symptoms and signs of serotonin syndrome; specifically tachycardia, agitation, dystonia and abnormal eye movements.
An interaction between methylene blue and serotonergic agents may give rise to the serotonin syndrome. Consideration should be given to avoiding methylene blue in patients taking serotonergic agents. The diagnosis should be considered in patients with autonomic, neuromuscular or neurological changes and should be managed accordingly. Due to the severity of serotonin syndrome, you may want to consider speaking with our lawyers to see if you meet the requirements to file a Methylene Blue lawsuit.
Do I Have a Methylene Blue Lawsuit?
The trial lawyers at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP have decades of experience navigating through complex legislative and regulatory issues and litigating high stakes cases all over the nation. Our law firm focuses on the representation of plaintiffs in Methylene Blue lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
Again, if you or a loved one has been injured by Methylene Blue, you should contact our lawyers immediately by clicking the link below or calling toll free 1-(949) 557-5800. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.