Zantac Lawsuit


Researching drug company and regulatory malfeasance for over 16 years
Humanist, humorist

Thursday, October 07, 2010

THE APPRENTICE...STARRING GSK'S ANDREW WITTY

Image: pharmagiles.blogspot



A massive shout-out to Pharma Giles and his work of absolute genius.

You have just got to see his latest post on his Pharma Giles blog.

I laughed so hard that I had Nescafe running down my nostrils.

Put down your hot drinks folks, this is simply the post of the year.

HERE

Fid

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LORD MONTAGU CALLS FOR "URGENT ACTION" TO HELP PEOPLE ADDICTED TO PRESCRIPTION DRUGS

Image: prescriptionaddictionradio.com


On 6 October 2010, The Earl of Sandwich, Lord Montagu, stood up in the House of Lords, and asked the minister a series of questions regarding the estimated 1.5 million patients who are addicted to benzodiazepine drugs.

He echoed what many advocates here in the UK have been saying for years, in a nutshell, the boneheads responsible for drug safety and those that manufacture these drugs are not doing enough to safeguard public health.

Lord Montagu also called for clinics to be put in place to help those that have fallen foul of the incompetence of the UK drug regulator and also queried the ethics behind the pharmaceutical companies who manufacture benzodiazepines.

Although the withdrawal problems discussed were, in the main, about benzodiazepines, other drugs, such as the SSRi Seroxat, were also mentioned and in particular the investigation into GlaxoSmithKline.

The debate was shared before a meagre number of Lords and it is clear that those speaking were baffled at the lack of action by the MHRA.

My Lords, ladies and gentlemen... welcome to a world where addiction to prescription drugs is of no concern to the drug regulator. They will appease you, ignore you, label you vexatious, make promises, claim they are doing everything in their power to safeguard public health.

It's all about profit and the MHRA are agents for that profit.

A debate is all well and good but the likelihood of any action being taken is slim.

Pharmaceutical companies hold the UK government by the short and curlies. Speak out against them and they will threaten to move their business to the far east.

The Lords, MP's and patient advocates are merely flea bites to the industry, a minor annoyance.

A different approach is needed I'm afraid. The MHRA needs to be removed and an impartial drug regulator needs to be put in place, one that actually has the balls to pull a drug from the shelf without claiming its benefits outweigh its risks.

The addiction problem to prescription drugs, be they benzodiazepines, SSRi's, pain killers, smoking cessation drugs et al, is a huge problem, too huge for the MHRA.

There has been much emphasis by the Conservative/Lib Dem Party with regard to getting the unemployed back to work. They want to save billions by getting people off state benefits. They need to look closely at the addiction problem, there are millions of people who have become dependent on prescription drugs, millions of people who cannot withdraw, the same millions of people who would love to work but can't because the government are doing nothing to help them. They are the dregs of society, the forgotten masses who, through no fault of their own, are hooked on drugs that have been given the all-clear by governmental departments.

The ship that is 10 Downing Street has two Captain's at the helm. They are steering the ship blindly, they have no navigation system put in place, just a tunnel vision that they are right.

If they want people off state benefits and back into the work place then start with those who WANT to work and not the pot smoking yobs whose benefit handout is a means to buy their weekly entertainment in the shape of cannabis and/or a couple of lines of cocaine.

The government have a bigger problem than recreational drugs, they have a drug regulator whose limp-wristed approach to patient safety has been questioned time and time again.

It's time to stop asking questions. The bull needs to be grabbed by the horns and a new regulator needs to be put in place, one that does not have ties to the pharmaceutical industry, one that does not play around with patients lives and well-being, one that will use money to help the patient and not promote the safety of pharmaceutical drugs.

Forget the fake drugs being sold. The problem is the 'real' drugs being prescribed and protected by the MHRA.

Withdrawal clinics, re-education for doctors that prescribe and criminal charges brought against drug manufacturer are needed. No more pussy footing around asking for help.

My Lords... it's time to walk the walk.

Here's the one hour debate.



Fid

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Wednesday, October 06, 2010

PRESCRIPTION FOR DISASTER

It is estimated that in America last year, nearly $2 trillion was spent on health care -- and virtually all that money was spent on treating disease.

Each year more money is spent on treatment, mere patchwork, even though it has become crystal-clear that treatments do NOT enable you to live a longer, better life. So why is the amount of money being spent on prevention just a pittance compared with the amount spent on treatment?

"Prescription for Disaster" is an in-depth investigation into the symbiotic relationships between the pharmaceutical industry, the FDA, lobbyists, lawmakers, medical schools, and researchers, and the impact this has on American consumers and their health care. During this thorough investigation, the film takes a close look at patented drugs, why they are so readily prescribed by doctors, the role insurance companies and HMO's play in promoting compliance, and the problem of rising health care costs. It examines the marketing and public relations efforts on behalf of the pharmaceutical companies, including sales reps, medical journals and conferences. Further, the film looks at alternatives to traditional pharmacology and drug therapy, such as vitamins and nutritional supplements, and why they are often perceived as a competitive threat to the drug manufacturers. Alternative therapies also include diet, exercise and a healthy lifestyle.

This documentary takes you on a journey through the tangled web of big business, the way disease is treated today, and the consequences we suffer as a society.

Source

WATCH THE VIDEO

Running time - 93 Minutes.

Produced by Gary Null.

Fid

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Monday, October 04, 2010

Seroxat Sufferers Blog Through October.

Image: 2010calendar.ca


I was going through the archives of my blog today to see what the month of October had thrown up over the 4 or so years I have been actively writing on here.

Back in 2006 there was just one post from the month of October, it was basically a link I threw up to a story on Bloomberg:

Glaxo May Have Shipped Inactive Paxil Antidepressants

2007 saw 11 posts in the month of October, one of which was my self entitled post, 'Seroxat - The Main Culprits.' - I was pretty feisty back then, I'd like to think I have mellowed over the years I have been writing.

Seroxat - The Main Culprits

I have a complete lack of respect for the MHRA and Glaxosmithkline, both of whom should be charged with various despicable acts against humanity. It is my belief that they have known about the dangers of Seroxat in both adults and children for some considerable time, yet both have robustly denied any link to Seroxat and addiction or more importantly the link that shows Seroxat is a drug that can cause another human being to take their own life... or the life of another.

The internet has given rise to a ever increasing amount of websites, blogs, forums and news articles relating to Seroxat induced suicides and murders. One such so was the highly informative website, Paxil Protest. A site that was a wealth of information and clearly showed how Glaxosmithkline knowingly suppressed information so they could market this multi billion dollar poison to the unsuspecting public. Unfortunately, the Paxil Protest site was taken down sometime ago. It is alleged that Glaxosmithkline paid a small fortune to the web author to remove the content... one has to ask the question why they would fear such a site.

Luckily, for those who are still fighting Glaxosmithkline through the courts, an archive of the Paxil Protest site still remains and many articles of interest can still be viewed. One only has to trawl through the archives to see why Glaxosmithkline wanted the site permanently removed from prying eyes... it was of course to protect the drug Seroxat (known as Paxil in the USA) and to also protect those who gave it a clean bill of health, agencies such as the MHRA (UK) and the FDA (USA). The archives to the site can be found HERE. This is the site that Glaxosmithkline, the FDA and the MHRA do NOT want you to see. Indeed, there are many Members of Parliament who would not want you or I to see this site either.

...The rest of this article appears on OpEd News

October 2007 also saw me receive an answer from the MHRA:

I wrote:

A while back I wrote to the MHRA asking whether or not the following list of people were or have been involved in the current investigation into GSK. I asked because ALL those on the list have or have had 'ties' with GSK in the past.

Here is the list.

Professor A Blenkinsopp, Professor H Dargie, Dr M Donaghy, Dr J C Forfar, Dr R Leonard, Prof D J Nutt, Professor J F Smyth, Professor Christopher Bucke, Prof Nicholas Mitchison, Dr Brian J Clark, Professor Robert Booy, Professor S M Cobbe, Professor J E Compston, Dr A Glasier, Dr Andrew A Grace, Dr P Hindmarsh, Professor P D Home, Dr R F A Logan, Professor R MacSween, Professor J O’D McGee, Professor David R Matthews, Dr A Smyth, Professor A D Struthers, Professor J C E Underwood, Dr A Gerard Wilson, Dr Rosemary Leonard, Mr David P S Dickinson, Dr Charlotte C D Williamson, Professor Anthony H Barnett, Professor V Krishna K Chatterjee, Professor Albert, Sir Alistair Breckenridge, Dr Ian Hudson.

...and here is the MHRA's response.

Dear Mr. Fiddaman,


REF: FOI 07/260

Thank you for your enquiry of 29th August.

As you are aware, the MHRA is conducting a detailed criminal investigation into the allegation that Glaxo Smith Kline failed to disclose clinical trial data at an earlier stage. The investigation is still in progress.

The individuals named on your list (apart from Professor Breckenridge and Doctor Hudson who are current Board members) are, in the vast majority, past or present members of MHRA Advisory Bodies or external Advisory Panels. No individual on the list has formed part of the investigation.

Kind Regards,
Central Enquiry Point Information Centre Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency Tel: 020 7084 2000

October 2008 saw me write over 35 articles, the pick of the bunch being, 'GSK's Horlicks In Hot Water.' and also 'Sara Carlin's Parents Call For Inquest.'

Regular readers of this blog will know that Sara finally had her voice heard earlier this year. Articles I wrote during that inquest can be downloaded HERE.

October 2009 saw a total of 49 posts on Seroxat Sufferers, one of which featured my thoughts regarding the meeting Janice Simmons and I had with the MHRA Communications Officer, Simon Gregor. HERE.

I also created and uploaded three new videos and gave the post the title; GlaxoSmithKline - Quite a Tainted History [In Video]

There were also a number of posts regarding the Swine Flu hysteria.

Twelve months on and I'm still itching to write, still have the same passion. I shall continue to pursue a path to the truth.

Thanks for reading.

Fid

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'THE EVIDENCE, HOWEVER, IS CLEAR...THE SEROXAT SCANDAL' By Bob Fiddaman
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Sunday, October 03, 2010

FORMER AIR FORCE OFFICERS DISCUSS UFO SIGHTINGS

Image: ineartamerica.com


Before I became embroiled in the seedy world of writing about the pharmaceutical industry and the way medications are regulated by the bodies set up to safeguard human health, I was interested in the subject of ufology, that is the study of unidentified flying objects.

I became interested in this subject partly because of a 1970's programme that used to air on British TV called 'Project Blue Book.' It featured two United States military types who would investigate UFO sightings. During my childhood I also read a book about an American couple, Betty and Barney Hill, whom were apparently abducted by extraterrestrials. Fascinating book which fuelled my thirst for knowledge regarding UFO's. Then came the Spielberg classic, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, a Hollywood extravaganza that still holds my interest whenever it is repeated on network TV.

As the years passed me by I read of the Roswell incident in New Mexico, the Rendlesham Forest incident in Suffolk, UK, the apparent abduction of Travis Walton, which later went on to become a movie [Fire in the Sky 1993]

Now, I've seen many strange objects in the sky, strange lights, formations, shapes. These were witnessed at varying times of the day, in the am and pm.

As I grew older I went to a seminar in Birmingham, it was a talk given by Stanton T. Friedman, a nuclear physicist and professional Ufologist.

I also purchased magazines on the subject of UFO's and read many other books by Timothy Good and Nick Pope amongst many other authors.

Although the Roswell incident in New Mexico is probably one of the most famous UFO stories, it, for me at least, was a military experiment gone wrong. It happened in 1947 and debate has been rife ever since. Visit Roswell today and see a money-making machine in action with bars such as the 'AliInn' and many shops selling inflatable ET beings.

My interest in ufology was recently re-lit with a video released on youtube. Don't worry, it's not shaky footage of a single engine aircraft flying over a field nor is it a Chinese lantern burning slowly in the night sky.

The following is footage from a major press conference in Washington that was held on September 27th, 2010.

Here we have a group of ex-military men who claim that unknown intruders have monitored and even tampered with American nuclear missiles.

One has to ask oneself what these military personnel have to gain by coming forward with such stories - they have a lot to lose - credibility being one loss.

It's a fascinating piece of footage [if you are in to this type of thing].

The video runs for 1 hour and 11 minutes and is well worth a watch.

Remember at all times that these witnesses are learned in military aircraft. The testimonies provided here should not be dispelled as 'lunacy'.

I may share my experiences of sightings one day. Many of them could be passed off as natural phenomenon, such as aircraft, falling stars, ice particles and possibly Chinese lanterns...but there are others that still, to this day, send shivers down my spine and still, using my own logic, remain unexplained.

Watch the skies folks... we are not alone.



Fid

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Friday, October 01, 2010

ADHD Study - Pharma moving the goalposts.

Living in the past...or not, as it seems.


We've all seen the recent press reports regarding the "illness", ADHD.

In a nutshell, a new study claims that some children have a generic disorder and will more than likely get ADHD.

How utterly incredulous!

What is ADHD?

You can Google ADHD and read what the 'experts' have to say or you can apply logic and go back in time to when you was a child.

Experts claim ADHD [Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder] is an illness where a person shows signs of a behaviour disorder. The joker at the back of the classroom flicking ink, throwing paper aeroplanes, mocking the teacher or farting and belching to get a laugh from his/her friends.

Over active naughty child, let's drug him.

Little Johnny is juxtaposed by little Eric, who has trouble keeping his eyes open in the morning. Poor Eric keeps nodding off in the classroom - he's also a target of pharma - I'm sure they have an energy boosting pill for him.

Basically, the classroom has potential clients for the pharmaceutical industry. If they are naughty, drug them. If they are sleepy, drug them. If they cannot keep up to speed with the work handed out to them, label them with an illness and drug them.

Years ago, I lived and breathed football. I'd play football in the school playground, play it after school over a big area that had green carpet... back then we called them parks.

Take a stroll through a park today and you rarely see jumpers for goalposts - kids today prefer to play football with their fingers by way of a hand-held computer game.

Hide and seek was also a popular game when I was growing up - not anymore, it seems. Kids today much prefer to hide behind a wall or in a moat, armed with their Oozy 9mm or enough grenades to knock out a small country - their ultimate weapon being the keypad they hold in their small hands.

Then we have the huge drug culture. Small children who can barely wrap their hand around the giant sized spliff puffing away, ultimately leading to a sniff of the white powder because they don't get a kick from the skunk anymore.

For those of you who think your child is safe from the perils of modern day society, think again.

Taking drugs to wash away the feelings of depression are commonplace, kids will always mimic the actions of their parents - ALWAYS. They smoke because we do, they swear because we do, they drink alcohol because we do. Girls wear make-up because they have been raised and saw mummy wearing make-up.

What kids see now is mum and dad popping a pill because it is far easier than going for a run or actually sitting down and talking things through with one-another.

Forgive me for going back to the 1970's when being active actually meant being active, where our young angst could be treated with cycling on our Chopper bikes or bouncing on a Space Hopper or even Skateboarding.

Given the choice, do you think little Johnny or Eric would take a pill or a brand new bike?

ADHD is a creation by the pharmaceutical industry to make money, it's a 21st century skateboard which means your child will never have to leave that PlayStation keypad locked in a cupboard. Take a pill and continue in a world of fantasy where blood splattering on TV screens is the norm or taking a penalty kick with your thumb is deemed as activity.

The New ADHD Study

So, this latest study claims that ADHD is caused by a gene but not to worry - there IS a solution. It's none of the above folks. Forget jumpers for goalposts, Chopper bikes, Space Hoppers and skateboards - take the pill.

Browsing across social networks [guilty as charged] I came across a comment from the Commission on Human Rights [CCHR], those pesky folk who have been tagged with Scientology because they dare to speak out against such things as over-medication of children. To be brutally honest, I'd be more concerned if they were connected with the Catholic church, who, as it happens, rarely speak out for the safety of children.

The comment caught my attention because once again it sees a massive conflict of interest in this recent ADHD/linked gene study.

The Lancet Journal, where this study appeared, shows that one of the sources of funding for this study was the Wellcome Trust.

"Trust"

This from Wikipedia:

The Trust was established to administer the fortune of the American-born pharmaceutical magnate Sir Henry Wellcome. Its income was derived from what was originally called Burroughs Wellcome, later renamed in the UK as the Wellcome Foundation Ltd. In 1986, the trust sold 25% of Wellcome plc stock to the public, beginning a process of separating itself from the pharmaceutical industry. In 1995, the trust divested itself of any interest in pharmaceuticals by selling all remaining stock to Glaxo plc, the company's historic British rival, creating GlaxoWellcome plc. The windfall generated by this merger has shaped the Trust's subsequent philanthropic activities. In 2000, the Wellcome name disappeared from the drug business altogether when GlaxoWellcome merged with SmithKline Beecham, to form GlaxoSmithKline plc.

Time for a walk with my dog over the field where I shall reminisce my childhood and be saddened at the prospect of being greeted by an area of green where few children play.

**For the record, I am a published author from the planet Zog.

Fid

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'THE EVIDENCE, HOWEVER, IS CLEAR...THE SEROXAT SCANDAL' By Bob Fiddaman
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Thursday, September 30, 2010

“Selling Sickness” Two-day Pharmaceutical Conference



“Selling Sickness” Two-day Pharmaceutical Conference - October 7-8 in Amsterdam

Healthy Skepticism (Netherlands) is hosting a two-day conference called “Selling Sickness” on October 7-8 in Amsterdam. The conference is designed for everyone with an interest in pharmaceutical information and promotion including: health professionals, policy makers, staff of government health and regulatory departments, inspectors, staff of pharmaceutical, advertising and public relations companies, staff of NGOs and journalists.

Conference topics:

· What is selling sickness and is it for real?

· What new methods are being used?

· Learning from documented examples

· Who pays the bill?

· Redesigning the system?

· The need for new regulations and guidelines

· New responsibilities for main stakeholders?


Baum, Hedlund, Aristei & Goldman will be presenting at one of the “poster sessions.” Our presentation is entitled “Secret Pharmaceutical Company Documents Obtained in Litigation: Revelations and Release in the Interest of Public Health,” based on two decades of our firm’s pharmaceutical product liability litigation experience. Poster sessions create an opportunity to share and debate a wide range of views consistent with the theme of this conference.

What: Selling Sickness International Conference
When: October 7-8, 2010
Where: Mövenpick Hotel Amsterdam

The conference is sponsored by:

The Dutch Ministry of Health and Health Care Inspectorate
Healthy Skepticism International
Co-sponsored by the World Health Organization, Regional Office for Europe.

Fid

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'THE EVIDENCE, HOWEVER, IS CLEAR...THE SEROXAT SCANDAL' By Bob Fiddaman
SIGNED COPIES HERE OR UNSIGNED FROM CHIPMUNKA PUBLISHING

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Book Editing - 'The Evidence, However, Is Clear...The Seroxat Scandal'

Image: pubmart.com


Working alongside my book editor has opened many doors for me. With her guidance she has showed me the many errors that appeared in the original manuscript.

I spent a total of 15 or so hours on my manuscript last week before returning it to her.

We are now on 'Stage 2'

My editor will go through the entire manuscript again then return to me.

This will continue until we are both pleased with the outcome.

Once we reach that stage, my manuscript is sent off to my publisher and the printing begins.

I'd like to thank all those that have sent me comments to be included at the front of the book. Your support is truly appreciated and your comments are very humbling.

Thank you.

In the meantime, here is the promo video for the book.



Fid

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'THE EVIDENCE, HOWEVER, IS CLEAR...THE SEROXAT SCANDAL' By Bob Fiddaman
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Tuesday, September 28, 2010

New Interview with Shelley Jofre regarding Seroxat.

Image: bbc.co.uk


Donal McIntyre talks to Investigative journalist Shelley Jofre about how she exposed the hidden truths behind the so called wonder drug Seroxat and how her investigation brought about change to the way the drug is now prescribed.

Catch it now on BBC IPlayer

**The interview will be online for 7 days.

Fid

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'THE EVIDENCE, HOWEVER, IS CLEAR...THE SEROXAT SCANDAL' By Bob Fiddaman
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Monday, September 27, 2010

GSK - 'There's no business like monkey business'

Copyright:  http://directaction4.info


The following should sicken even those who believe they have a cast iron stomach.

Ed Silverman, who writes the popular 'Pharmalot' website, is reporting that the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals [PETA] has written GlaxoSmithKline to complain about the alleged treatment of monkeys at a company from which the drugmaker has purchased animals for use in clinical trials.

Ed writes:

A few weeks ago, photos from inside Primate Products were leaked to the media, including the NBC affiliate in Miami, where Primate Products has a ‘live animal’ facility and protesters subsequently gathered (see this).

“The primates in the leaked photographs were literally ripped apart. They suffered from large, open head and neck wounds that had been crudely sutured together. They were also missing large patches of hair and had gaping bloody holes in their scalps and limbs. These serious injuries may have resulted from self-mutilation, experimental procedures, or fights between animals who had been improperly housed. PPI has confirmed that the photographs are authentic,” PETA wrote to Glaxo ceo Andrew Witty in an email last week (here are the photos).

A Glaxo spokeswoman says the drugmaker has not purchased animals from Primate Products since 2006. However, Justin Goodman, who is PETA’s associate director for laboratory investigations, says this document (see page 2) indicates Glaxo sent 45 monkeys to Primate Products this past summer.

FULL SHOCKING STORY OVER AT PHARMALOT

Fid

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Pills, Patients and Profits - W5 Investigates [CANADA]

© Photographer: Markgab


Before I started writing about and researching pharma, I actually believed pretty much everything they said. As a victim of a pharmaceutical drug, Seroxat, I have researched and written about the industry and the way it is regulated for almost 5 years.

Nothing shocks me anymore.

On Saturday 25 September, "Pills, Patients and Profits" was aired on Canadian television, an hour long documentary about patients who are left vulnerable because they cannot afford life saving drugs.

One striking moment, for me at least, in this hour long programme, was the claims of Dr Marcia Angel of a professor at Harvard University.

According to drug companies, finding "miracles" costs around a billion dollars per drug. However, Marcia Angel disputes this:

"It's entirely ficticious.

What they are trying to do, they are trying to convince people that they have to pay high prices for prescription drugs to cover astronomical R & D costs, that simply isn't true."

Angel goes on to say that the cost of creating a new drug is in the region of $100 million, still a lot of money but quite a way off the figure the industry would have us believe.

According to Angel, the drug companies have inflated their costs by 1000%.

Dr Marcia Angel isn't the only critic, as the video shows.

To watch the hour long programme for yourselves - visit the CTV News page.

The documentary has been uploaded in four parts.

Part One:

Are drugs companies profiting from the sick? Every year, thousands of Canadians are denied drugs that could save their lives because the government says they can't afford it. Drug companies say it's the price paid for producing miracles.

Part Two:

Drug companies say the cost of producing one 'miracle' drug is over $1 billion but critics say the costs are exaggerated and the number is actually around $100 million for a new drug. What is the correct number?

Part Three:

W5's Victor Malarek examines one multiple myeloma patient's struggle to receive his needed medication and how old drugs that provide new results are still costly.

Part Four:

Some patients in need of life saving drugs are denied simply because they are not available in their province. One Maritimer discovered that not all Canadians get the same drug treatments.

VIDEO & SUMMARY


Fid

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Sunday, September 26, 2010

ACAI BERRY SUPPLEMENTS - CAN THEY HELP SSRI WITHDRAWAL?

Acai Berry: Can it help reduce antidepressant withdrawal problems?


Over the past year or so I have heard some anecdotal claims that the Acai berry [pronounced Ah-Si-ee] has helped people who have been experiencing withdrawal symptoms from SSRi type drugs.

Always one to learn of help for withdrawal sufferers, I started to research Acai and it's apparent claims.

Although I am not withdrawing from any SSRi drug, I decided to write a brief email to Gavin Curtis at acai-berryuk.com. I told him that I was interested in any anecdotal or scientific claims that Acai can help people withdraw more easily from antidepressants.

Although Gavin had no scientific data to prove that it could reduce withdrawal symptoms from SSRi tapering, he did point me to some comments left around the internet:

Posted 20 October 2007 - 11:29 AM
I have heard that the Acai Berry has helped those with depression and even made it possible for some to get off their meds. Does anyone have any experiences with this? I know it sounds too good to be true and it probably is.


Posted 18 November 2007 - 01:09 AM
I have been taking acai berries for 2 days now and I have noticed a substantial difference. I have had depression for 8 years and been on all kinds of meds for about 4 years. The acai juice that I am using has helped with energy, sadness, anger, and has helped clear my mind. My mom bought the drink for me because one of her friends was very depressed for 2 years and finally was treated by a doc who prescibed her some meds as well as told her how well the acai juice works for depressed patients.


Posted 12 December 2007 - 08:24 PM
Well, I don't know about acai specifically, but perhaps feeding your body really nutritious and health promoting natural foods (like acai) may help alleviate depression because in doing so, you may feel physically better, and that feeling may in fact affect your mental state. who knows?

I know that I feel much much MUCH better when I treat my body right, and I'm not talking rigorous exercise and strict dieting. I'm talking natural, organic foods, mostly raw, and some stretching and yoga. When I treat my body like this (with love), it reminds my mind that I'm "worth it" and I feel positive about myself.


Posted 13 December 2007 - 07:39 PM
I've actually read a couple web sites that said acai berries were helpful for improving mood. (No they weren't sites trying to sell it). I, myself, haven't tried it/them, but it could be worth a shot. Sounds like they're good for you anyway.


These comments tallied up with two stories I had been sent from readers of Seroxat Sufferers. One was by proxy, from my girlfriend in Canada. We spoke on the phone and she told me of her friends daughter who had been taking Paxil [Canadian brand name for Seroxat] - She was struggling withdrawal symptoms and was told about the Acai berry. She purchased the juice form and over a period of a week or so found the withdrawal symptoms subsiding.

With this in mind, and the anecdotal comments left on the internet, I decided to prompt Gavin Curtis for more answers as a lot of the mainstream websites seemed to be promoting the Acai berry as some miracle cure for all sorts of things ranging from dramatic weight loss to cancer to slowing down the age process.

Gavin told me: "To be honest, in my opinion, this product is just beginning to show what it can do. Unfortunately, it has been marred recently on the interent with scam artists and poor quality products that give little effect. Its unfortunate as it puts some people off."

Gavin then offered to send me a sample, which I have been taking in capsule form for the past week.

There are many claims that the Acai berry can help people who suffer with arthritis and high cholesterol and seeing as I was diagnosed with Bi-lateral Osteoarthritis over 10 years ago, and more recently with high cholesterol, I decided to give them a bash.

There are no chemicals in the capsules. The powder, contained in the capsule, writes acai-berryuk, consists of several types of fatty acids like Omega 6 or Omega 9. These fatty acids are commonly found in various sea foods or olive oil. These fatty acids have proven effective to reduce different kinds of cancer. These also consist of phytosterols which is mostly found in nuts, grains, beans and seeds. It also helps in promoting prostate and urinary health. acai berry capsules also contains several types of amino acids which are good to get good strength. The amino acids help in providing additional strength, development and endurance to the body. It really helps in the detoxification of body which is necessary to keep away various diseases.

I'm more interested in the 'de-toxification' than anything else. If this simple berry from the Amazon Rainforest can provide relief for the thousands [millions] of people who suffer severe withdrawal symptoms with antidepressants, then we could have a major breakthrough here. Let's face it, we, as patients, have never received any help from the pharmaceutical companies or medicine regulators with withdrawal techniques, have we?

So, we have to weigh up the benefit Vs risk ratio here - How many times have we heard that line touted by medicine regulators and pharmaceutical companies?

Way I see it, the only known side-effect from ingesting too much of the berry, be it in liquid or powder/capsule form, is diarrhoea - If you were to eat citrus fruits all day then you'd get diarrhoea.

Alleged benefits include; helps reduce fat and to reduce the level of cholesterol, helps to purify the blood, helps to flush out bad toxins from your body, helps detox and purify our internal system, gives you more energy and helps you sleep better, contains a wide range of vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids. Acai contains Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E, iron, potassium, phosphorus and calcium.

One week


I've been taking four capsules daily for exactly one week now, the first three days saw no drastic change. I still woke at unearthly hours, still needed a power nap in the afternoon, had no desire to cut down on what I ate.

One week later and I don't feel the need to take an afternoon nap. Placebo effect or does the Acai berry really work?


There are many readers of Seroxat Sufferers who are still struggling with SSRi medication. I'm not endorsing this product nor do I urge you to take it because it may help you taper more easily, the only evidence is anecdotal.

There is a huge SSRi withdrawal problem that is largely refuted by pharma and regulators world-wide. If a natural berry from the rainforest can help ease suffering then the help that we, as patients/consumers of these drugs, may be just one click away.

If you are interested in trying this supplement then Gavin Curtis has offered readers of this blog a special discount.

10% Discount Voucher - 931-623-876-999

Buy Acai Berry

**Sometime in the future, I will be writing an article on another supplement that may be beneficial to those suffering SSRi withdrawal.

Fid

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'THE EVIDENCE, HOWEVER, IS CLEAR...THE SEROXAT SCANDAL' By Bob Fiddaman
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