Listen to this....Paxil/seroxat/paroxetine
I have just heard that a law suit is to be filed against GlaxoSmithKline for it suppression of statistical data relating to its anti-depressant 'Paxil' the generic name in this country is Paroxetine. I have been on this medication for the last three years for varying periods. Unfortunately it caused me more problems than it solved. I decided to come of the medication when I finished uni and the withdrawal effects were worse at times than the original symptoms. There is a debate within the medical research community as to its efficacy or the presence of side effects, however any quick internet search reveals a bigger concern with this anti-depressant in comparison to other availible SRI's (Seratonin reuptake inhibitors), in official medical portals and public chat rooms. Obviously every individual reacts differently but I felt extreme feelings of emotional ambivalence and numbness, incoherance and extreme mood swings as well as regular lucid nightmares. I had a loss of a coherent sense of self. So I find it interesting to discover that it has been subject to a number of lawsuits regarding increased suicide rates among young adults and others focused on adverse side effects in adults. I'm extremely relieved to no longer be on it. I think anti-depressants are potentially very dangerous and anyone who is prescribed them should be regularly monitored. Unfortunately the attitude to mental health in this country is somewhat unsophisticated. People are more often than not prescribed some pills and patted on the back to go one their 'not so merry' way. While they can help many individuals, particularly those with a natural chemical imbalance they are often prescribed to people who would benefit more from proactive lifestyle changes and counseling. Over 50% of people visiting there GP's in this country are there due to depression, it is symptomatic of a society in a spiritual void. Read the BBC Archive transcript below if this interests you.......
Paxil is sold as Seroxat in the UK GlaxoSmithKline(GSK) is facing a US lawsuit alleging that it covered up negative research findings on its anti-depressant drug Paxil.
The lawsuits were filed on behalf of children and teenagers who were prescribed Paxil, known as Seroxat in the UK and Europe.
They claim GSK suppressed data showing that Paxil increased suicidal tendencies in young people.
GSK has denied the allegations, and said it would defend itself in court.
Litigation
"We have publicly communicated the data in a variety of ways - in peer-reviewed journals, in presentations at major conferences, and in letters to physicians," a GSK spokesman said.
The lawsuit is the latest in series of legal battles GSK has had to fight over Paxil, once its best-selling drug.
Earlier this year, claims that some research into Paxil may have been withheld triggered an investigation by New York prosecutor Eliot Spitzer.
Last month, the company paid $2.5m (£1.3m) to settle Mr Spitzer's inquiry.
It also agreed to publish the results of all clinical tests on its drugs since December 2000 on the internet.
The December cut-off date marks the point at which Glaxo Wellcome merged with Smithkline Beecham.
GSK is also fighting separate lawsuits brought by adult Paxil users who claim it caused adverse side-effects.
GSK shares were down 4 pence at £11.49 in early afternoon trade in London.
Paxil is sold as Seroxat in the UK GlaxoSmithKline(GSK) is facing a US lawsuit alleging that it covered up negative research findings on its anti-depressant drug Paxil.
The lawsuits were filed on behalf of children and teenagers who were prescribed Paxil, known as Seroxat in the UK and Europe.
They claim GSK suppressed data showing that Paxil increased suicidal tendencies in young people.
GSK has denied the allegations, and said it would defend itself in court.
Litigation
"We have publicly communicated the data in a variety of ways - in peer-reviewed journals, in presentations at major conferences, and in letters to physicians," a GSK spokesman said.
The lawsuit is the latest in series of legal battles GSK has had to fight over Paxil, once its best-selling drug.
Earlier this year, claims that some research into Paxil may have been withheld triggered an investigation by New York prosecutor Eliot Spitzer.
Last month, the company paid $2.5m (£1.3m) to settle Mr Spitzer's inquiry.
It also agreed to publish the results of all clinical tests on its drugs since December 2000 on the internet.
The December cut-off date marks the point at which Glaxo Wellcome merged with Smithkline Beecham.
GSK is also fighting separate lawsuits brought by adult Paxil users who claim it caused adverse side-effects.
GSK shares were down 4 pence at £11.49 in early afternoon trade in London.