There was recently a class action law suit filed against GlaxoSmithKline, the makers of Paxil, because “controlled release” tablets made between April 1, 2002 and March 4, 2005, contained a manufacturing defect that caused them to split apart.

Patient’s prescribed these drugs may have received the entire dose at once, or the time release portion of the pill without the active ingredient.

You should be concerned about Paxil side effects whether you took the pill back then, or you’re taking it today minus the manufacturer’s defect!

On March 22, 2004 the FDA issued an extraordinary Public Health Advisory that cautioned about the risks associated with the new generation of  antidepressants

• Prozac
• Zoloft
• Paxil
• Luvox
• Celexa
• Lexapro
• Wellbutrin
• Effexor
• Serzone
• Remeron

The warning followed a public hearing at which dozens of family members of victims testified about suicide and violence committed by individuals taking these medications.

From agitation and hostility to impulsivity and mania, the FDA’s litany of antidepressant-induced behaviors is identical to those induced by:

• PCP
• methamphetamine
• cocaine

(Drugs known to cause aggression and violence.)

These older stimulants and most of the newer antidepressants cause similar effects as a result of their influencing brain levels of the same neurotransmitter, serotonin.

• carbamazapine (brand names Tegretol, Equetro)
• gabapentin (Neurontin)
• lamotrigine (Lamictal)
• topiramate (Topamax)
• valproate (Depakote)

All of these drugs are being prescribed for varying psychiatric purposes, including the treatment of anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder.

Shortly after the release of the Public Health Advisory the FDA and GlaxoSmithKline notified healthcare professionals of revisions to the WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS sections of Paxil labeling to alert healthcare professionals that patients with major depressive disorder, both adult and pediatric:

“may experience worsening of their depression and/or the emergence of suicidal ideation and behavior (suicidal tendencies), whether or not they are taking antidepressant medications.”
In the most recent edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision  under Differential Diagnosis it states:
“Serotonin-specific reuptake inhibitor antidepressant medications may produce akathisia . . .” “Akathisia may be associated with dysphoria (restlessness, depression & anxiety), irritability, aggression, or suicide attempts.”

So you tell me,

Was it ethical for the FDA and GlaxoSmithKline to calm worries about these drugs by stating that worsening symptoms may occur with or without the medications?

Let’s talk side effects! Continue reading article →