Psychiatrist over-prescribed lithium, man says

HUNTINGTON – A Huntington man is suing his former psychiatrist for allegedly over-prescribing lithium that caused end stage renal disease.

Troy L. Robinson filed a lawsuit against Deleno H. Webb III and Area Psychiatric and Psychotherapy Group in Cabell Circuit Court on Feb. 17.

Robinson says he was a patient of Webb's from Feb. 12, 1997, to April 23, 2008. Robinson sought Webb's services because he had feelings of depression and anxiety.

The complaint says Webb diagnosed Robinson with bi-polar disorder and began prescribing him lithium –- Eskalith -– in September 1998. The dosage was 450 milligrams twice a day.

By November 2001, Robinson's lithium level was recorded in the therapeutic range and the creatinine was elevated at 1.7, but he claims Webb did not changes the dosage. In October 2004, Robinson claims his lithium level had grown to 2.4 and the amount of creatinine in his blood had risen to 3.3, a level described in the complaint as "dangerous.

"Despite these dangerous blood levels, Dr. Webb continued to prescribe lithium to this patient until it was discontinued in January of 2007," the complaint says.

On March 16, 2007, Robinson was diagnosed with end stage renal disease as a result of lithium toxicity, the complaint says. Nevertheless, Robinson continued to see Webb until April 2008.

Robinson claims Webb was negligent in his prescribing lithium and that Webb did not warn him of the possible dangerous side effects of the drug.

Robinson says he's sustained physical and emotional injuries, medical costs, loss of earning capacity and earnings, loss of household services, pain and suffering and other damages. He claims the company, Area Psychiatric and Psychotherapy Group was negligent in hiring and retaining Webb.

The plaintiff seeks various compensatory and punitive damages as well as pre- and post-judgment interest and legal fees.

Timothy L. Eves is representing Robinson. Cabell Circuit Court Judge David Pancake has been assigned the case.

Cabell Circuit Court case number: 09-C-124