Author Raised Questions on Antidepressant Use   by Josephine Osborn

in Health / Mental Health    (submitted 2011-11-02)

Robert Whitaker, the author of the book Anatomy of an Epidemic: Magic Bullets, Psychiatric Drugs and the Astonishing Rise of Mental Illness, believes that antidepressant medicines bring more harm than good. They are driving an epidemic of drug-induced mental illness," he states. He raised questions about the use of antidepressant medicines during lecture at the Canadian University and tackled the public misconceptions about pharmaceutical manufacturers, doctors, and the over-prescription of antidepressants like Paxil.

According to Medical Publishing, in its article Prescription Medicines, Side Effects and Natural Alternatives published in June 2001, a jury in the state of Wyoming determined that the antidepressant drug Paxil caused a man to murder his wife, daughter, and granddaughter before committing suicide. Up to $8 million in damages were given to the family of the victims. The case reflected Whitaker's view on the side effect of antidepressants, legal observers say. Based from a Canadian government report, mental health issues are the number one cause of disability in Canada, with one in five Canadians experiencing issues with mental illness. Thirty percent of disability claims and 70 percent of health care costs are attributed to mental illness, according to the 2006 figures.

Based on research and medical reports from patients, Paxil has been indicated to have seriously dangerous side effects and withdrawal symptoms.

Weakness, drowsiness, constipation and diarrhea are reported to be the most commonly experienced Paxil-associated complications. Other adverse reactions include agitation, impulsiveness, nervousness, nausea, decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and ejaculatory delay.

Some of these side effects are generally minor and rarely needed medical attention. On the other hand, the drug has also serious side effects that require you to act on it immediately. Paxil patients should report to their healthcare experts in the event that they experience the following:

• Allergic reaction
• Seizures
• Tremors
• Balance or coordination problems
• Abnormal heart rate
• Breathing difficulties
• Eating difficulties
• Fainting
• Memory problems
• Confusions
• Hallucinations
• Personality changes
• Suicidal thoughts
• Birth defects to newborns

Due to the results of various studies showing the above-stated side effects, the US Food and Drug Administration FDA mandated various label changes for Paxil. These cautions and clinical results aim to alert Paxil users.

Consequently, immediately report to your doctor if you have doubts and queries about your health condition in connection with your Paxil intake. A number of Paxil Lawsuit is actually filed against GlaxoSmithSkine (GSK), its manufacturer. The company was also reported to have been fully-aware of the harmful side effects, including Paxil birth defects, but it still produce and distribute the drug. Aside from medical consultation, the affected users should also seek legal advice to find out if they qualify for medical compensation from GSK.

About the Author

Connected to several Paxil Birth Defect including congenital heart disease among newborns of mothers who took this drug during pregnancy. For parents who have a newborn baby with a diagnosed birth defect possibly caused by Paxil, information like Paxil Pregnancy Categories should be known. Please check also the "Paxil Settlement", on how you may be entitled to a portion of this money.