Professional Negligence Law Reporter
Mental Health
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Failure to taper down psychiatric drug
January/February 2024Psychiatrist Richard Kluft allegedly advised Samuel Capizzi, 28, to abruptly stop using Cymbalta. Approximately three weeks later, Capizzi died by suicide.
His estate and parents sued Kluft, alleging negligence. The plaintiffs asserted that the defendant failed to taper down the Cymbalta, which carries a known suicide risk when terminated abruptly.
The defendant argued that he had not stopped the Cymbalta abruptly but had ordered Capizzi to taper it down.
The parties settled for $400,000.
Citation: Capizzi v. Kluft, No. 2019-17940 (Pa. Ct. Com. Pl. Sept. 7, 2023).
Plaintiff counsel: Michael H. Gaier, Philadelphia.
