GlaxoSmithKline disputes Paxil or Seroxat safety

Yesterday we had talked about the latest research by scientists in Oslo, Norway who had found that Paxil (solds as Seroxat in the UK and chemmical name being paroxetine hydrochloride) increases the risk of suicide among patients.

GlaxoSmithKline has now issued a response criticizing the study and standing by the safety of the drug. "The Company disagrees with the conclusion from the sub-analysis conducted by scientists based in Oslo. It serves only to cause confusion and unnecessary concern for patients using an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor), such as paroxetine, for treatment of depression," it said in a statement. Such responses from drug companies are common as is evidenced by how Merck talked about the safety of Vioxx while knowing fully well that it was a dangerous drug.

The company is, however, admitting that "depression is associated with an increased risk of suicidal thoughts, self harm and suicide and it is general clinical experience with all antidepressant therapies that the risk of suicide may increase in the early stages of recovery."

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