| Approved by the FDA in December of 1992, Paxil is | | | | allegedly cut several corners in the manufacturing |
| arguably one of the most controversially debated | | | | process and in turn is accused of violating several of |
| selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) | | | | the FDA's safety regulations included in their Good |
| antidepressants. In the United States, SSRIs are the | | | | Manufacturing Practice (GMP) policies. The FDA |
| most common class of drug used to treat various | | | | pointed out the Paxil is not deemed medically |
| social disorders. Manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline, | | | | necessary as several other suitable drugs are |
| Paxil was originally approved to be prescribed for | | | | available to treat the same conditions. |
| depression, but eventually was found to be effective | | | | Following the loss of millions of dollars during their |
| for several other disorders. Paxil is commonly | | | | seizure in 2005, research was then released early in |
| prescribed for several disorders, such as premenstrual | | | | 2006 suggesting a relationship between persistent |
| dysphoric disorder (PMDD), depression, obsessive | | | | pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) and |
| compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorders, anxiety, | | | | the administration of antidepressants, such as Paxil, |
| and post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSS). More | | | | during the final trimester of pregnancy. The FDA has |
| recently the FDA has announced its opposition to | | | | found the evidence inconclusive and is further |
| Paxil being prescribed to children under the age of 18 | | | | investigating the supposed finding. |
| due to its tendency to cause extreme suicidal | | | | Despite its history of being questionable, Paxil is still |
| thoughts in younger patients. Needless to say, Paxil | | | | widely prescribed by doctors. Though studies suggest |
| has had a bumpy road thus far on the drug market in | | | | that many other drugs have the same effects as |
| the United States. | | | | Paxil, many users still prefer the brand name over the |
| In March of 2005, GlaxoSmithKline was placed under | | | | alternatives being offered. |
| heavy fire after the US Marshal seized several lots of | | | | Though similar medication are taken by a wide |
| Paxil from their Puerto Rico and Tennessee | | | | variety of people, each individual must be assessed |
| manufacturing plants. Prior to seizure, warrants were | | | | based on their own situation and circumstance. With |
| issued by the U.S. District Courts in response to | | | | the care and expertise of a physician, a well informed |
| several concerns that had been raised regarding the | | | | decision can be made about what is and is not |
| company's manufacturing practices. GlaxoSmithKline | | | | appropriate for each patient. |