Original article no longer available
The Capital Times (Madison, WI)
November 26, 1992
The first scheduled trial test of the safety of the controversial anti-depressant Prozac has been postponed until May.
In the lawsuit, a Wisconsin couple charges that the drug caused their daughter to attempt suicide while a patient at Mendota Mental Health Institute in 1989. The case had been slated to go to trial Monday in Dane County Circuit Court.
Attorney Bruce Schultz, who represents Bernice and Arthur Hafferkamp, said Wednesday that all parties to the suit agreed to the delay.
“The issues in this type of case are almost mind-boggling,” Schultz said of the reason for the postponement.
Issues raised by the suit include product liability claims against drug maker Eli Lilly of Indianapolis and negligence claims against psychiatrists at Mendota.
Schultz said the postponement “doesn’t change one iota” the likelihood of going to trial.
More than 100 lawsuits linking Prozac to suicidal behavior have been filed against Lilly, but many have been dismissed. Not one has yet gone to trial.
Edition: All
Section: Local/State
Page: 15A
Index Terms: COURT DRUG LAWSUIT
Record Number: 9211260313