Fiddy Rant - For GSK lawyers

Who did you turn to during Seroxat withdrawal?

Were you fortunate enough to have a partner that understood what you were going through?

Part of my gripe with GlaxoSmithKline is that they convinced people outside my Seroxat filled head that they were not responsible - only now are these people learning the truth.

It is still a constant battle as there are many 'support groups' out there who seem to berate any one who speaks out against the manufacturers of antidepressants.

Prof David Healy seems to be an easy target - here we have a man who put his career on the line in the name of humanity yet time and time again up pops someone who disagrees with his work. Dig deeper and always look into the person slamming Healy's work. That is all I can say on the matter at present, sufficed to say that one of the main voices speaking out against Healy actually works at a prominent University whom recieved huge funding from GlaxoSmithKline, the Uni isn't too far from Norristown, Pennsylvania.

So, who should you turn to for advice?

Your GP? Well, it seems they have been pretty much kept in the dark as the patient so I guess that's a no.

Depression Alliance? It seems they have now disbanded - they were actually funded by Pharma, the figure I heard was 80% but I am told by an ex employee that the actual Pharma funding was 18%. The jury is still out on that one.

The MHRA? With two ex- GlaxoSmithKline employees within their agency you may as well ask Dr Harold Shipman for his opinion on euthonasia!

What about asking GSK for advice? Well, if they offered advice to withdrawal they would actually be admitting that people really do suffer withdrawal symptons.. .so that's another avenue blocked.

Only way I can see is by sharing experiences. This has been the very tool that has not only helped thousands of Seroxat sufferers but it may even yet be the downfall of GlaxoSmithKline.

Their marketing team never really looked beyond the actual sales figures of the drug. The reps knew how to push the right buttons but never really thought about the long term consequences.

It is inevitable that a group of people suffering the same ailments will eventually share their experiences. This is where GlaxoSmithKline slipped up. Seroxat/Paxil, call it what you will, has now become a household name for all the wrong reasons.

There are still professionals who disagree but ask them if they would treat a loved one with Seroxat - if they answer yes - they are lying.

GlaxoSmithKline are guilty of not only letting a travesty occur but also letting a travesty continue. The smell of money took away the conscience of the individuals within GSK and with it created a despicable evil that manifests itself via funding to patient support groups throughout the world.

Alistair Benbow et al, you are shameless cowards with no backbone who get immense satisfaction from patient suffering - the money you earn takes away those feelings though huh?

Our day will come you utter bastards

Bob