Sicko from Australia!

This one is for the Australian using Telstra Internet who thinks it highly amusing to send me death threats - asuming he/she is an Australian?

Quite why anyone would want to send me lyrics to a band called Patrick Park and at the same time threaten me by saying they wish to stab me is the work of someone who is deranged!

Anyway, enjoy your 10 minutes of fame. You don't scare me... whoever you are and whatever your intentions are!

Fid

Depressed? www.save.org can help

A comment and series of emails has led me to do some research on SAVE (Suicide Awareness Voices Of Education).

The comment was left by a 'Bob Anderson' under the post 'Documenting Seroxat : An Epic Medical Scandal' from the 'GSK - Licence to (K)ill' blog.

'Bob Anderson' and the author of the blog continued to converse via email. It became apparent that 'Bob Anderson' was all for use of antidepressants and took umbarage to the post 'Documenting Seroxat : An Epic Medical Scandal'. However, he was civil enough and even pointed the author of the blog to www.save.org.

I found it strange that 'Bob' used the word 'paxil' as part of his email address so am unsure whether or not this person actually exists. Maybe after reading this he will contact me either by leaving a comment or by email (Top right hand corner of blog)

Anyway... About SAVE

Mission, Goals and History

The mission of SAVE is to prevent suicide through public awareness and education, reduce stigma and serve as a resource to those touched by suicide. Brain illnesses such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia or other mood or anxiety disorders, when left untreated, unfortunately may also result in suicide.

The brain as an organ can get sick, just like other organs in the body. SAVE is committed to educating the general public about depressive brain illnesses, the symptoms, possible causes and the need for professional assessment and treatment. By educating the general public about these illnesses, treatment is encouraged, and the stigma associated with suicide and brain illnesses is reduced or removed.

SAVE even have a Depression Checklist

It's normal to feel some of the following symptoms from time to time, but experiencing several or more for more than two or three weeks may indicate the presence of depression or another depressive illness. Remember, you must seek a professional for an accurate diagnosis of depression. This checklist is provided only as a tool to help you talk with your doctor or treatment provider about your concerns and develop an action plan for successful recovery.

I feel sad.
I feel like crying a lot.
I'm bored.
I feel alone.
I don't really feel sad, just "empty".
I don't have confidence in myself.
I don't like myself.
I often feel scared, but I don't know why.
I feel mad, like I could just explode!
I feel guilty.
I can't concentrate.
I have a hard time remembering things.
I don't want to make decisions - it's too much work.
I feel like I'm in a fog.
I'm so tired, no matter how much I sleep.
I'm frustrated with everything and everybody.
I don’t have fun anymore.
I feel helpless.
I'm always getting into trouble.
I'm restless and jittery.
I can’t sit still.I feel nervous.
I feel disorganized, like my head is spinning.
I feel self-conscious.
I can't think straight.
My brain doesn't seem to work.
I feel ugly.
I don’t feel like talking anymore - I just don’t have anything to say.
I feel my life has no direction.
I feel life isn’t worth living.
I consume alcohol/take drugs regularly.
My whole body feels slowed down - my speech, my walk, and my movements.
I don't want to go out with friends anymore.
I don't feel like taking care of my appearance.
Occasionally, my heart pounds, I can't catch my breath, and I feel tingly.
My vision feels strange and I feel I might pass out. The feeling passes in seconds, but I'm afraid it will happen again.
Sometimes I feel like I'm losing it.
I feel "different" from everyone else.
I smile, but inside I'm miserable.
I have difficulty falling asleep or I awaken between 1 A.M. and 5 A.M. and then I can't get back to sleep.
My appetite has diminished - food tastes so bland.
My appetite has increased - I feel I could eat all the time.
My weight has increased/decreased.
I have headaches.
I have stomach aches.
My arms and legs hurt.
I feel nauseous.
I'm dizzy.
Sometimes my vision seems blurred or slow.
I'm clumsy.
My neck hurts.

Sounds like some sort of advertising campaign for a miracle pharmaceutical pill doesn't it?

There's more...

SAVE also highlight 'Major symptoms of depression'

Not all people with depression will show all symptoms or have them to the same degree. If a person has four or more symptoms, for more than two weeks, consult a doctor or mental health professional right away. While the symptoms specified for all groups below generally characterize major depression, there are other disorders with similar characteristics including: bipolar illness, anxiety disorder, or attention deficit disorder with or without hyperactivity.

In Adults
Persistent sad or "empty" mood.
Feeling hopeless, helpless, worthless, pessimistic and/or guilty.
Substance abuse.
Fatigue or loss of interest in ordinary activities, including sex.
Disturbances in eating and sleeping patterns.
Irritability, increased crying, anxiety or panic attacks.
Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions.
Thoughts of suicide; suicide plans or attempts.
Persistent physical symptoms or pains that do not respond to treatment.

In Infants
It’s important to understand what constitutes normal development in infants, children and adolescents vs. what may be signs of a depressive illness.

Unresponsive when talked to or touched, never smile or cry, or may cry often being difficult to soothe.
Failure to gain weight (not due to other medical illness).
Unmotivated in play.
Restless, oversensitive to noise or touch.
Problems with eating or sleeping.
Digestive disorders (constipation/diarrhea).

In Children
In children, depressive illnesses/anxiety may be disguised as, or presented as, school phobia or school avoidance, social phobia or social avoidance, excessive separation anxiety, running away, obsessions, compulsions, or everyday rituals, such as having to go to bed at the exact time each night for fear something bad may happen. Chronic illnesses may be present also since depression weakens the immune system. Other signs include persistent unhappiness, negativity, complaining, chronic boredom, no initiative.

Uncontrollable anger with aggressive or destructive behavior, possibly hitting themselves or others, kicking or self-biting or head banging.
Harming animals.
Continual disobedience.
Easily frustrated, frequent crying, low self-esteem, overly sensitive.
Inability to pay attention, remember, or make decisions, easily distracted, mind goes blank.
Energy fluctuations from lethargic to frenzied activity, with periods of normalcy.
Eating or sleeping problems.
Bedwetting, constipation, diarrhea.
Impulsiveness, accident-prone.
Chronic worry & fear, clingy, panic attacks.
Extreme self-consciousness.
Slowed speech & body movements.
Disorganized speech - hard to follow when telling you a story, etc.
Physical symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, stomachaches, arms or legs ache, nail-biting, pulling out hair or eyelashes. (ruling out other medical causes)
Suicidal talk or attempts.

Hmmm, they seemed to have covered 'growing pains' to me but hey I'm not a doctor.

Next

In Adolescents
Depressive illnesses/anxiety may be disguised as, or presented as, eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia, drug/alcohol abuse, sexual promiscuity, risk-taking behavior such as reckless driving, unprotected sex, carelessness when walking across busy streets, on bridges or cliffs. There may be social isolation, running away, constant disobedience, getting into trouble with the law, physical or sexual assaults against others, obnoxious behavior, failure to care about appearance/hygiene, no sense of self or of values/morals, difficulty cultivating relationships, inability to establish/stick with occupational/educational goals.

Physical symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, stomachaches, neck aches, arms or legs hurt due to muscle tension, digestive disorders. (ruling out other medical causes)
Persistent unhappiness, negativity, irritability.
Uncontrollable anger or outbursts of rage.
Overly self-critical, unwarranted guilt, low self-esteem.
Inability to concentrate, think straight, remember, or make decisions, possibly resulting in refusal to study in school or an inability (due to depression or attention deficit disorder) to do schoolwork.
Slowed or hesitant speech or body movements, or restlessness (anxiety).
Loss of interest in once pleasurable activities.
Low energy, chronic fatigue, sluggishness.
Change in appetite, noticeable weight loss or weight gain, or abnormal eating patterns.
Chronic worry, excessive fear.
Preoccupation with death themes in literature, music, drawings, speaking of death repeatedly, fascination with guns/knives.
Suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempts.

This list reads like a diary of an adolescent already on SSRi's doesn't it?

SAVE also have a Q&A section on their webpage.

Can depressive illnesses be treated?

Yes. There are various ways to treat depressive illnesses depending on the type of illness, the severity, and the age of the person being treated. A person suffering with depression should not try to manage the illness on their own. Knowing and recognizing the signs of depressive illness helps avoid needless suffering available through treatment. Depression is a condition like diabetes or high blood pressure that can be effectively managed with the help of mental health professionals including medical doctors, registered nurses, psychologists and therapists, social workers, clergy, family members, and community support.

They seem to have covered every base there but...

...On a seperate page SAVE claim:

Antidepressant Medication
Medication used to correct a chemical imbalance or chemical disruption in a person's brain. Antidepressants are available with a prescription from a medical doctor. Treatment with an anti-depressant should not be undertaken or discontinued without a doctor's supervision.

Hasn't it already been established that there is no scientific proof of a chemical imbalance?

Now to the nuts and bolts of SAVE:

SAVE’s 4th Annual Golf Classic on September 10, 2001, raised $33,000 to pro-vide depression awareness and suicide pre-vention education. SAVE would like to thank our sponsors for helping make this year’s event a huge success:

Tournament Sponsor
GlaxoSmithKline

Hmmm, interesting!

SAVE have a Board of Reference providing input for SAVE’s programs and educational material to ensure scientific and medical accuracy.

Some of the members on this Board of Reference are:

Charles Schulz, MD, Chair Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota, Chair

What SAVE don't tell you is:
Schulz served as a consultant for AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals and Eli Lilly and Company, and has served as a speaker for AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals. He has received grant support from Abbott Laboratories, AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals, Eli Lilly and Company, and Janssen Pharmaceutica Products. (HERE)

Joseph Bebchuk, M.D. Park Nicollet Clinic

What SAVE don't tell you is:
Park Nicollet Institute recognizes our supporters and collaborators from industry, foundations and the community for their generous contributions to research and education.
Abbott Laboratories Inc.
AstraZeneca
Bayer Pharmaceuticals
GlaxoSmithKline
The list is endless and can be viewed HERE

Jan Fawcett, M.D.

What SAVE don't tell you is:
In response to the announcements by the regulatory agencies, the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ACNP), which designated a Task Force in the early 1990’s to review the SSRI trial data, and subsequently published an position paper saying SSRI’s were not linked to suicide, appointed a new Task Force in September 2003, to study the matter again.

This Task Force was made up of many of the same authors whose published papers were under attack for being fraudulent and included Dr John Mann, Dr Graham Emslie, Dr Karen Wagner, Dr Neal Ryan, Dr Andrew Leon, Dr Fredrick Goodwin, Dr David Shaffer, Dr Beardslee, Dr Jan Fawcett, Dr Herbert Meltzer and Dr Ross Baldessarini. (SOURCE)

SAVE also fail to mention the following about Jan Fawcett:

Professor of Psychiatry, University of New Mexico; ACNPIndustry Affiliations:
• Consultant: Abbott Laboratories, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly and Company, Forest Laboratories, Janssen Pharmaceutica, GlaxoSmithKline, Merck & Co. Inc., Pfizer, Inc., Pharmacia & Upjohn, Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories
• Speaker's Bureau: Abbott Laboratories, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly and Company, Pfizer/Roerig, Pharmacia, GlaxoSmithKline, Solvay Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories• Grants/Research Support: National Institute of Mental Health, Abbott Laboratories, Astra Zeneca Pharmaceuticals, Bristol-Myers Squibb, GlaxoSmithKline, Eli Lilly and Company, Organon, Pfizer, Inc., Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories.

Next on the board is...

Frederick K. Goodwin, M.D.

What SAVE Don't tell you is:
An article in SLATE by Shannon Brownlee and Jeanne Lenzer also focuses on prominent doctors who exploit their medical license as stealth marketers. A prominent case is psychiatrist Dr. Frederick Goodwin, former head of the National Institute of Mental Health, who was the architect of the controversial "violence initiative" targeting inner city minority boys whose behavior, Dr. Goodwin sought to contain with powerful psychotropic drugs. The concept is not unlike the Soviet "solution" to containing political dissidents with psychotropic drugs.

When Dr. Goodwin compared inner city youths to monkeys in the wild, he was forced to resign whereupon he went on to a hugely profitable career as a pharmaceutical consultant. (SOURCE)

SAVE also conveniently forget to mention the following about Goodwin:

Research Professor of Psychiatry and Director, Psychopharmacology Research Center, George Washington University; Former Director of the National Institute of Mental Health; ACNPIndustry Affiliations:
• Consultant: Glaxo, Lilly, Pfizer, Bristol Myers Squibb, Solvay. Elan, Novartis• Speakers Bureau: Bristol Myers Squibb, Solvay, Glaxo, Pfizer, Janssen, Lilly, AstraZeneca, Grants/Research Support: Abbott Laboratories, Glaxo, Solvay, Janssen, Pfizer, Lilly, Forest, Sanofi.

• Participated in a consensus panel for child and adolescent bipolar disorder funded by: Abbott, Brystol-Myers Squibb, GlaxoSmithKline, INC Research, Janssen, Johnson & Johnson, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, and Solvay.

Kay Redfield Jamison, Ph.D

What SAVE don't tell you is:
Interesting article here

The suicide rate for adolescents aged 15 to 19 appears to have declined in the last few years, said Jamison. "One reason may be that physicians are recognizing depression earlier and prescribing antidepressants."

Eric Larson, M.D.

What SAVE don't tell you is:
Teens and Antidepressants

"If I had a child or a relative who needed an antidepressant, I would want them to take this medication under good supervision. I would be concerned if my child or relative did not have access to antidepressants, if they needed them."


Charles B. Nemeroff, M.D., Ph.D.

What SAVE don't tell you is:
In an article published online in Neuropsychopharmacology, a journal at which Nemeroff is the editor, the following occurred:

1) A sizable authorship switch
2) Failure to disclose conflicts of interest
3) Bobbing and weaving on data analyses

According to some sources, Nemeroff was part of the effort to get David Healy ousted from his position at the Univeristy of Toronto. It's a long story, worth reading about here and here.

David Shaffer, MD
Professor of Child Psychiatry, and Professor of Psychiatry and Pediatrics,Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons; Director, Division of Child Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute.

What SAVE don't tell you is:

Industry Affiliations:

•Consultant: Hoffman la Roche, Wyeth (expert trial witness)
•Consultant: GlaxoSmithKline (on the matter of paroxetine (Paxil) and adolescent suicide)
•Participated in a consensus panel for child and adolescent bipolar disorder funded by: Abbott, Brystol-Myers Squibb, GlaxoSmithKline, INC Research, Janssen, Johnson & Johnson, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, and Solvay.

According to the New York Times, "Shaffer...sent a letter at Pfizer's request to the British drug agency, [saying] he had concluded that there was insufficient data to restrict the use of in adolescents." SEE ARTICLE HERE


Obviously, depression is a serious illness but one that needs to be addressed by people without ties to the Pharma industry.

The above named, as you can see, have ties and are used by SAVE to provide input into their programs.

Maybe 'Bob Anderson' is unaware of this?

As always, you are invited to leave comments.

Fid

New Zealand fighting back against GSK

Came across this great website earlier today. It's called Wholemind and they speak out against antidepressants. In fact, reading it threw up some information that I wasn't aware of before. For instance: Aropax [Seroxat] is government subsidized in New Zealand!

The author of the site, Susan Thrasher, also touches on the name given to paroxetine in various countries. She writes, "Do you suppose they change the name in different countries as a deliberate attempt to confuse the consumer?" Yes I do!

She is also as confused as I when trying to fathom out why different countries carry different information on the Seroxat Patient Information Leaflet [PIL]. She writes:

"I've provided links here for GlaxoSmithKline's Paxil/Aropax/Seroxat (US/NZ/UK) so you can see the differences. This example particularly highlights the concept that it isn't the pill or company that makes the difference, but the country's government regulations! You'll note in this case Paxil (US) goes straight to the US FDA black box suicide warning and then a lot of very technical information about the drug; Seroxat (UK) goes to an equally off-putting info sheet but at least it's more accessible by the average reader; in New Zealand where the government hasn't required any specific warnings, they are still promoting the drug Aropax (remember, all of these are the same drug, paroxetine) and you have to click on the little line at the bottom for "consumer information" and that is quite "soft" compared to the other two. Same drug, same company, different presentations"

1 Drug, Same Company, 3 Views

GlaxoSmithKline's information on Paxil (USA)

GSK's info on Seroxat (UK)

GSK's info on Aropax (New Zealand)


I've been banging the drum loudly on this blog for our friends down under, they are pretty much kept in the dark when it comes to Seroxat - their respective governments want it that way. The Therapeutic Goods Administration [TGA] seem about as caring as our own medicines regulator [MHRA] - I say that with confidence after listening to Kent Woods, CEO of the MHRA at the recent meeting with 1 campaiigner, 1 solicitor and 1 former Seroxat patient. Woods, still thinks he is right about the safety of Seroxat in adults - despite overwhelming evidence to the contary.

Anyway, I suggest visitors to Seroxat Sufferers from down under pay a visit to Wholemind. It's what Australia and New Zealand has been crying out for.

Susan Thrasher, take a bow.

Fid

Where I have written about Australia & New Zealand before.

GSK Australia - Clearly Behind the times

Email to Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd

Aropax Hell Part II

Christmas Greetings from depressioNet Australia

This is How GSK Marketed Aropax in Australia

Medicines Australia & The TGA Looking In

GSK Australia continue to dupe their public!

The Delphi Centre & GlaxoSmithKline Advertising

GSK Advertise Seroxat for Red Nose Day

SSRIs and their Complications down under

GlaxoSmithKline Money Trail Down Under Part One

GlaxoSmithKline Money Trail Down Under Part 2

GlaxoSmithKline Money Trail Down Under Part 3

GlaxoSmithKline Money Trail Down Under Part 4 - Enter Dr Martin Keller

Liebenagate - The excuse!

Another Ian Hudson Scenario?

The death of Yutta Elise Taylor - Australia

The Serotonin Myth (Taken from an Aboriginal Website)

GSK Petition Threatens Weight Loss Supplements

Source: Dietary Supplement Information Bureau

Dear Dietary Supplement Industry Member,

As you may know, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has petitioned the FDA to classify weight loss claims for dietary supplements as disease claims. Many people say that this is nothing more than an attempt by the makers of alli™, the first over-the-counter weight loss drug, to quash competition from the supplement weight loss industry. Some say it is yet another instance of a pharmaceutical giant using its considerable resources for legal and political advantages against competing products in the supplements industry, products which are safer and produce fewer side-effects, yet are often as or more effective than their pharmaceutical counterparts.

This may have huge implications for not only the supplement weight loss industry, which is rapidly growing and estimated to currently be worth $1.3 billion in annual sales, but for the dietary supplements industry overall; some see it as another step in the overregulation of dietary supplements and attacks from big pharma, which, should FDA decide to rule in favor of GSK, some say could be a death knell for our industry.

The industry is abuzz with regards to this petition; some feel that we should defend weight loss supplements as they are an important category of product for our industry and are being attacked unfairly by a company with a questionable record of honesty. As you may know, the FDA recently issued a warning to GlaxoSmithKline for not reporting safety results on its diabetes pill Avandia. Previously, the Senate Finance Committee found that Glaxo Smith Kline intimidated and coerced a prominent critic of Avandia so that he would no longer speak critically of the drug. Just before that, it was alleged that the company systematically hid and manipulated data concerning Paxil-induced suicide in depressed adults.

Others in our industry believe that misleading advertising related to this category of supplements has become so egregious that companies selling the supplements deserve whatever actions may take place against them.

As members of the industry, we’d like to hear your opinions. Please click on the link to comment below. We’ll keep you updated and let you know more about this and other critical issues.

Click here to read the full petition: PDF (3.2 MB)

Youtube responses to Alistair Benbow & Alasdair Breckenridge Interview

Video can be seen here

Here are the responses.

These may or may not be my own opinion so don't threaten me with defamation!

----

Don't believe what the guy says about not having "reliable information" on which to tell the truth to the public about withdrawal. These people are murderers, and they knowingly kill people in the name of billions of dollars in profits. Damn liars!

Yes, bring criminal charges against these murderers! It is not okay to review the drugs once they are on the market. That means the drug companies have our consent to promote and sell their drugs UNTIL they get caught! NO!!!!

This sick man thinks its okay for a small class size of people out of a thousand students to suffer suicidal thoughts. SICK MAN! This is not my opinion. He directly states this. He is a bad man. SSRIs SUCK!

That man at :50 almost made me throw up. This drug DOES cause suicide. I don't know how this man sleeps at night. I'm off of this drug for a long time, and I'm still not back to normal. We are the guinea pigs for this drug company, but then again, these stupid drug companies LIE about clinical trials. They don't tell you how many people DIED during testing. They are professional liars. I think I'm going to puke, and I don't ever speak this way unless I mean it.

SEROXAT saved my life, I would like to give a special thank you to all the people who work for GLAXOSMITHKLINE U.K.....THANK YOU

I know heroin takers say the same of heroin.

Nice to see you copy and pasted the message as a standard reply on youtube on other antidepressant vids, now push your glaxosmith fraudulent shit elsewhere.

That's exactly what it was like for me. Sounds like you understand very well how it feels. I'm sorry you had to go through it too. I wouldn't wish it on anyone. I've been off it a year now. Only just starting to feel real. I hear it takes up to two years to go back to "normal"

psychiatry is a pseudoscience and paxil is a suicide drug. STOP SHRINKS.

if one pill a day keeps someone happy ?Someone with diabetic needs to take a pill every day alsoI take 30 mg (paroxetine) and I will slow down very very slowly. To man people begin and stop taking it after 6 weeks.The effect only works after 6 to 8 weeks.If people don't feel anything they need to take higher dose and wait weeks for it to take effect.I think building it off takes a long time. You must do it really slowly.

A higher dose?.. what?...Man, you really shouls research seroxat, good luck with your paxhell journey..

take speed and ull feel better aswell doesnt mean its good 4 u, these drugs r murderous

Think you are missing the point Spence, how long are you on paxil? Maybe you havent hit withdrawal yet? If not, youre in for one hell of a ride. Think Steven kings worst nightmare and youll get an idea for what your in for. All the best. :)

This drug killed my best friend! I have attached a video of my friend which I hope you will add to this. x

paxil is the most dangerous drug known to man's mind and soul.

Seroxat made me agoraphobic when I stopped taking it - it did get rid of my panic-attacks/depression when I first took it - but it fucks you up when you stop. I've been agoraphobic now for 4 years - do NOT take this drug.

It's your worst enemy! YES it makes you suicidal and more! NEVER TAKE SEROXAT IT'S POISON

Thank you for highlighting this subject. The world needs to be aware that this is a very very dangerous evil drug.

my friend stood on the railtracks waiting for a train to kill him when he took this crap, he cant get of it, its about money the goverment protect big business

This is great, thanks so much for uploading! The reporter is awesome :)

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Care to add your comments?

66 Days... and the MHRA still cannot/will not answer FOI Request!

I asked a whole bunch of questions after the shambolic investigation into GlaxoSmithKline which was performed (Hmmm) by the Enforcement Team at the MHRA. They answered all but one, they promised to get back to me. 66 days on and they haven't!

The question was actually posed by former barrister, Carl Gardener. Carl was a barrister for Tony Blair's government on EU, human rights and public law for over a decade. I asked his permission if I could use it - he agreed.

The policy on timescale for answering FOI requests is 20 working days. The MHRA told me they needed more time to answer this one particular question. I have reminded them but still no answer.

Maybe they have to go through a whole heap of lawyers before they answer it?

If Seroxat wasn't licensed for use in children, as the MHRA are now saying, and if the normal conditions of use means simply licensed use, as the MHRA's lawyers seem to have concluded - how come the MHRA had power to vary the authorisation?

66 days and no reply. This really isn't good enough!

Fid

Musical Interlude

*NEW SONG - SEVEN DAYS - JIMMY BARNES (LIVE)


http://www.youtube.com/dixiefid64

Not such a Happy Mother's Day

Shelly Hart from the US forgot to take her Paxil [Seroxat] yesterday. She writes about it on her blog here. I've reproduced it here for Kent Woods of the MHRA. Here's what it is like Kent when one forgets to take the antidepressant that you continue to stand by.

A summary of my Mothers Day/ self mutilation

As you know, I'm using the Ashton manual to crossover my Klonopin the doc started me on from paxil withdrawal. My husband has been out of town rallying support for Paxil withdrawal and the lives it has affected. I have been concentrating so hard on the Klonopin/Valium ratio while filling my weekly pill case that in essence, I forgot to put my Paxil tablets in (now at 50 mg, even though my primary care physician suggest 60, the highest dose ever). I noticed being overly emotional and feeling extremely upset with my children. I was very tearful yesterday and was glad to see my husband return home. Last night I woke screaming that there was a loud sound in my ears and they felt as if gravel had been put in them. I had horrible and wretched nightmares about my family. I was so dizzy I needed assistance using the restroom. The screeches in my ears got louder. Suddenly I felt the urge to self-mutilate. I never felt this way before. I grabbed everything and anything I could sharp to do this from pop can tabs to scissors to car keys. I told my husband I needed to see blood. I was very restless and took 7 benedryl today to calm down from my akethisia. When I turned my eyes I felt the zaps. Then it hit me....oh my gosh, had i forgotten to put my Paxil in my pill case...Indeed I had. I was on my fourth day without Paxil and was having suicidal thoughts and self mutilation. I am feeling this way now, even though I took my Paxil 50mg several hours ago. I'm afraid I no longer have control over my body and now my husband is going to have to miss more work to "babysit me" I don't want this to be the case. I want the strong, capable Shelly back that was able to care for others and nurse them back to health. I certainly didn't want to show my son who had self-mutilated beginning Paxil that it was uncontrollable...but indeed it is. I'm so ashamed of myself. Now I know more than ever what my poor son had to go through. My arms ache. I bit into my left arm so hard that blood came to the surface bringing me some kind of release. I blame myself for not filling my case correctly but may i add it is hard to think when having seizures and fatigue that accompany the crossover from Klonopin to Valium.So what has happened to my life? I went from a normal level headed nurse who graduated at the top of her class to some psycho addicted to drugs just because of some anxiety issues. These would have been long resolved by now. Why wasn't I informed that these drugs were addictive and that I could indulge in self-harm? What if I kill myself and It is out of my control? Why am I acting on impulse? I do not have a history of violence. What is going on here? Certainly someone has to step forward and get the stories out there. This makes it more than ever my top priority. I locked my children out of my room on Mothers' day. They didn't have that day that I enjoyed with my mother growing up. They couldn't share the gifts and cards they had made for me.Happy Mothers Day GSK...another day of my life in bed ruined. Another memory taken away from me. And yet, still no word from GSK and their promised manual about withdrawal, or follow up regarding a hotline for physicians.

Just one of thousands of stories about the horrors of Seroxat withdrawal effects.

Now what are you going to do about it Kent?

YOU WILL BUY GSK DRUGS!!!!

Came across this during my 'cooling off' perioid last week.

It highlights how many pharmaceutical companies complain of one anothers marketing tactics.

Seeing as my major gripe is with GlaxoSmithKline I'll show you how they like to be top dog and how they like to 'play the game' with their competitors.

It makes interesting reading and shows us all how GlaxoSmithKline don't like it up them and the lengths they will go to - to protect their products.

It's no wonder they spend so much on their lawyers and PR machine. Before we know it they will be trying to convince the powers that be that we need to end punitive damages!


DECISIONS CONCERNING MARKETING OF PRESCRIPTION-ONLY MEDICINES - YEAR 2005

9/2005 Flamenco performance at a training event

GlaxoSmithKline made a complaint about programme of a training event arranged byAstraZeneca. Along with the scientific program and the following dinner the programmeincluded music and a flamenco performance. Recorded music can be played as background musicbut the flamenco performance was beyond the hospitality allowed in the Code for the Marketing of Medicinal Products. AstraZeneca was requested to abstain from incorrect marketing andimposed a sanction payment of 2,000 euros.
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11/2005 Actos
GlaxoSmithKline made a complaint about Actos advertisement by Eli Lilly Finland Ab. Inthe advertisement it could be said that Actos is effective also against lipids because the claim wassupported by scientific evidence and the SPC, the actual indication of the product, type II diabetes, was clearly brought out and controlling of lipids is of relevance to these patients. The advertisement was not misleading in the sense that it would have suggested Actos’ indications to include lowering cholesterol and therefore the complaint was dismissed.
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16/2005 Symbicort
GlaxoSmithKline made a complaint about Symbicort advertisement in a magazine byAstraZeneca. The advertisement gave an impression that Symbicort could be used as a treatment also for acute asthma attacks, which was not in line with indications included in Symbicort’s SPC. The advertisement was misleading also in a sense that it suggested Symbicort treatment to be effective in every case. AstraZeneca Oy was requested to abstain from incorrect marketing and imposed a sanction payment of 10 000 euros.
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Decision in July 26th 2005, advertisement in “Arki ja allergia” book
GlaxoSmithKline made a complaint about AstraZeneca Oy’s prescription drug SymbicortTurbuhaler’s advertisement in a book about allergies that was targeted to consumers. As Inspection Board had already earlier taken up the matter on its own initiative and as consequence AstraZeneca had been requested to abstain from incorrect marketing and imposed a sanction payment of 15 000 euros (Decision 13/2005 by Supervisory Commission is about AstraZeneca complaint in that matter), the complaint was dismissed.
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Decision in December 21st 2005, Internet pages http://www.glaxosmithkline.fi/
Inspection Board took up GlaxoSmithKline homepages on Internet under examination on its own initiative. The pages contained press releases which marketed prescription drug Havrix directly to consumers, as the information in them was not equally covering all treatment options as required by the Code when disease awareness campaigns are carried out. In addition there was another press release on the pages that was found as disguised advertising of a prescription drug to consumers. GlaxoSmithKline was requested to abstain from incorrect marketing and imposed a sanction payment of 5 000 euros.
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Decision in January 4th 2005, Seretide
AstraZeneca made a complaint about GlaxoSmithKline marketing which according toAstraZeneca did not comply with an agreement between the parties to abstain from incorrect marketing activities. Inspection Board found that the parties had agreed not to refer to certain study results in marketing materials before these results were published. In this case the study in question had later been published as an article in a scientific journal and thus after publication it could be referred to in marketing materials. The complaint was dismissed
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Decision in May 25th 2005, Seretide
AstraZeneca Oy made a complaint about Seretide newspaper advertisement by GlaxoSmithKline. In the advertisement an expression from the cited clinical study was misleadingly translated from “totally controlled asthma” into “living without symptoms”. Absence of symptoms was also emphasized too categorically. GlaxoSmithKline was requested to abstain from incorrect marketing and imposed a sanction payment of 8 000 euros. (Articles of the EFPIA Code suitable for the case: 4)
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THE SUPERVISORY COMMISSION FOR THE MARKETING OF MEDICINAL PRODUCTS: SUMMATION OF DECISIONS CONCERNING MARKETING OF PRESCRIPTION-ONLY MEDICINES - YEAR 2005 can be downloaded HERE

Siege Barrister shot dead by police had been taking anti-depressants

Source: Daily Mail

The wealthy barrister shot dead by police marksmen at his luxury home had been taking anti-depressant drugs for several months.

Friends of Mark Saunders, 32, who was killed by at least five bullet wounds, have revealed that he had been on prescription drugs for depression and had behaved "erratically" when drinking alcohol, as he did on the day he died.

FULL STORY HERE

From Seroxat PIL (2007) - Do not drink alcohol while you are taking Seroxat. Alcohol may make your symptoms or side-effects worse.

From Aropax PIL (2007) - Although drinking moderate amounts of alcohol is unlikely to affect your response to AROPAX, it is best to avoid alcohol while you are taking this medicine.

Seroxat is marketed under the name AROPAX in Australia