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Editor: Robert Binstock
Profession: Paxil Side Effect Attorney

Category: Side Effects

The UK-based GlaxoSmithKline, the manufacturer of Paroxetine, more commonly Paxil in the US, covered up the dangerous side effects of it's drug for years. The drug Paxil is scheduled as an antidepressant but has been prescribed through "off label" prescription for everything from anxiety to shyness.

The pharmaceutical giant, which recorded over 45 billion in sales in 2006 began clinical trials on the medication in the mid-90's to determine its effectiveness on depressed children, after being praised as a wonder drug in the adult market with over 100 million prescriptions filled before the turn of the century. If the drug could be marketed to children or adolescents GSK could see even higher profits.

The company conducted randomized controlled trials (RCT) with one group being given the drug and the other a placebo, generally thought to be the most efficient way to test a drug's effectiveness. The results were very discouraging. In the largest trial, 93 US children took the medication, of these 11 had serious side effects, with seven needing hospitalization and many others had made attempts at self-harming or suicide.

GSK failed to release this information in fear that it could affect sales to those already taking the medication and potential new clients. A BBC investigation turned up these results and only then was this pertinent information released. In the five years it took for the study to be revealed doctors prescribed the medication to tens of thousands of children never knowing the risks they were taking. At present many child suicides and behavioral problems as well as birth defects are thought to have been by the use of the drug. Authorities in the UK are conducting an ongoing investigation to determine if GSK acted fraudulently and further actions may be taken as a result of the investigation.