Deadly anti-depressants and painkillers

Study links anti-depressants with suicide
10.16AM, Mon Aug 22 2005

A warning has been sounded about the possible suicidal side effects of
commonly used anti-depressant drugs.

Researchers analysed the results of 16 trials involving the drug
paroxetine (Seroxat) - one in a class of drugs known as Selective
Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) - used by adult patients.

Experts have already warned that the drug is not suitable for children
and adolescents due to an increased risk of suicidal thoughts.

Now the latest study, published in the journal BMC Medicine, suggests
that these warnings should also be extended to adults.

But GlaxoSmithKline, makers of Seroxat, said it own extensive research
showed that the benefits of using the medication outweighed the risks.

In 2003, around 19 million prescriptions for SSRIs were handed out in
England for the treatment of depression and anxiety.
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#2
Painkiller death opens floodgates for claims
10.03AM, Sat Aug 20 2005

The makers of a painkiller which was withdrawn amid fears it could
cause heart attacks have been found negligent over the death of one of
its users in a case that has opened the floodgates for claims across
the world.

Pharmaceutical giant Merck was ordered to pay the widow of Texan Robert
Ernst nearly £140 million in damages for the death of her husband.

Mrs Ernst said: "They knew and could see what the truth was."

Merck withdrew the drug Vioxx from the market in September 2004 after a
study showed its long-term usage could double the risk of heart attack
or stroke.

The case drew attention from pharmaceutical companies, lawyers,
consumers and stock analysts as a signal of what lies ahead for Merck.

The company has vowed to fight the more than 4,200 state and federal
Vioxx-related cases and in Britain alone it has been reported firms in
London and Liverpool are representing at least 150 potential claimants.

Ernst called the verdict a "wake-up call" for pharmaceutical companies
and Merck said it plans to appeal the ruling.

Ra Energy Fdn.
Raleigh Myers
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