However, according to a 1997 review, one study found that 25% of patients experienced at least one discontinuation symptoms, verses 5.9% taking a placebo. In another study of patients with major depression, 42% experienced at least 1 discontinuation symptom.
Another internal memo kept hidden with a protective order, states: "Discontinuation: why this is an issue," followed by, "'97 Seroxat/Paxil sales to end Sept already exceed $1 Billion".
This particular memo carries a cartoon-like picture of a big black money-bag.
In Paxil literature, Glaxo flat-out lied to patients and specifically said that the drug was not addictive. For example, a pamphlet made available at doctors' offices and disseminated to patients, asked the question: "Is Paxil addictive?"
The pamphlet then states: "Paxil has been studied both in short-and long-term use and is not associated with dependence or addiction."
The withdrawal syndrome is real and in fact, it is now known that infants of women who take SSRIs in the last 3 months of pregnancy, may experience symptoms of withdrawal, including convulsions, according to a study published in the February 4, 2005 issue of the journal Lancet.
In addition, experts warn against the use of Paxil and other SSRIs with children. According to Fred Baughman Jr, MD, an adult and child neurologist in private practice for 35 years, "most antidepressants have not proved effective in treating depression in children and some studies suggest they may cause some children to become acutely suicidal."
Yet in 2002, Dr Baughman says, "nearly 11 million prescriptions for the drugs were given to children, 2.7 million of them to children under 12."
A report by an expert witness, previously sealed with a protective order, reveals how Glaxo concealed and manipulated data concerning Paxil-induced suicidality and how suicide attempts in studies by patients on Paxil were underreported and attempts by people taking a placebo were inflated.
Excerpts from the report were published by psychiatrist, Peter Breggin, MD, in Ethical Human Psychology and Psychiatry, (Volume 8, Spring 2006, pp. 77-84). Dr Breggin is a founder of the International Center for the Study of Psychiatry and Psychology (ICSPP) and the author of the Antidepressant Fact Book (2001).
His report also documents how Glaxo hid the incidence of akathisia (agitation with hyperactivity) and stimulation, which he says, are known risk factors for suicidality and violence.
Dr Breggin's original report was based on a 3-day review of Glaxo's sealed files, and was written for the California case of Lacuzong v GSK, and attached to a July 21, 2001, affidavit submitted in a case filed by the widow of a man who drowned their two children and himself in a tub after taking Paxil for three days.
At Glaxo's insistence, the report remained sealed. However, in the more recent case of Moffett v Glaxo, in the US District Court for the South District of Mississippi, the report was filed in the public record.
"The drug companies," says Dr Breggin, "settle almost all legal cases brought against them in order to seal incriminating scientific data."
"The publication of a previously sealed medical expert report is a rare event," he explains, "the first in my experience."
In the book, The Antidepressant Solution, author Dr Joseph Glenmullen, a clinical instructor in psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, recommends tapering off antidepressants by following a 5-Step Antidepressant Tapering Program, to reduce both the incidence and severity of withdrawal reactions.
Another internal memo kept hidden with a protective order, states: "Discontinuation: why this is an issue," followed by, "'97 Seroxat/Paxil sales to end Sept already exceed $1 Billion".
This particular memo carries a cartoon-like picture of a big black money-bag.
In Paxil literature, Glaxo flat-out lied to patients and specifically said that the drug was not addictive. For example, a pamphlet made available at doctors' offices and disseminated to patients, asked the question: "Is Paxil addictive?"
The withdrawal syndrome is real and in fact, it is now known that infants of women who take SSRIs in the last 3 months of pregnancy, may experience symptoms of withdrawal, including convulsions, according to a study published in the February 4, 2005 issue of the journal Lancet.
In addition, experts warn against the use of Paxil and other SSRIs with children. According to Fred Baughman Jr, MD, an adult and child neurologist in private practice for 35 years, "most antidepressants have not proved effective in treating depression in children and some studies suggest they may cause some children to become acutely suicidal."
Yet in 2002, Dr Baughman says, "nearly 11 million prescriptions for the drugs were given to children, 2.7 million of them to children under 12."
A report by an expert witness, previously sealed with a protective order, reveals how Glaxo concealed and manipulated data concerning Paxil-induced suicidality and how suicide attempts in studies by patients on Paxil were underreported and attempts by people taking a placebo were inflated.
Excerpts from the report were published by psychiatrist, Peter Breggin, MD, in Ethical Human Psychology and Psychiatry, (Volume 8, Spring 2006, pp. 77-84). Dr Breggin is a founder of the International Center for the Study of Psychiatry and Psychology (ICSPP) and the author of the Antidepressant Fact Book (2001).
His report also documents how Glaxo hid the incidence of akathisia (agitation with hyperactivity) and stimulation, which he says, are known risk factors for suicidality and violence.
Dr Breggin's original report was based on a 3-day review of Glaxo's sealed files, and was written for the California case of Lacuzong v GSK, and attached to a July 21, 2001, affidavit submitted in a case filed by the widow of a man who drowned their two children and himself in a tub after taking Paxil for three days.
At Glaxo's insistence, the report remained sealed. However, in the more recent case of Moffett v Glaxo, in the US District Court for the South District of Mississippi, the report was filed in the public record.
"The drug companies," says Dr Breggin, "settle almost all legal cases brought against them in order to seal incriminating scientific data."
"The publication of a previously sealed medical expert report is a rare event," he explains, "the first in my experience."
In the book, The Antidepressant Solution, author Dr Joseph Glenmullen, a clinical instructor in psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, recommends tapering off antidepressants by following a 5-Step Antidepressant Tapering Program, to reduce both the incidence and severity of withdrawal reactions.
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