Problems With Paxil Quality
U.S. officials recently seized batches of controlled-release antidepressant Paxil CR because of concerns over manufacturing quality.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration found that Paxil CR tablets could split apart, giving patients a portion lacking any active ingredients or providing active ingredients without controlled release. This could lead to patients taking no medicine when they think they are taking a real dose, or taking too much without knowing it.
Paxil is manufactured by British pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline, Europe's biggest drugmaker.
The U.S.F.D.A. decided there was no immediate health risk to consumers, but said the manufacturing failed to meet standards for safety, strength, quality and purity.
Because of this news, many people suffering from depression or social phobia that rely on Paxil now worry that they do not have the necessary information, resources, or support to properly use the very drug they have come to depend upon.
Symptoms of Depression
* Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood
* Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism
* Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
* Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed, including sex
* Decreased energy, fatigue, being "slowed down"
* Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
* Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
* Appetite and/or weight changes
* Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
* Restlessness, irritability
If five or more of these symptoms are present every day for at least two weeks and interfere with routine daily
activities such as work, self-care, and childcare or social life, seek an evaluation for depression.
National Institute of Mental Health |
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