Medicines Board backs Seroxat manufacturer’s defence of drug

The Irish Medicines Board today backed claims by the manufacturer of an anti-depressant that the benefits outweighed the risks.

Norwegian research suggests that adults who take Seroxat are being warned it can trigger suicidal feelings, while Makers GlaxoSmithKline are defending the drug.

The Irish Medicines Board said it had taken part in several extensive reviews of Seroxat and other anti-depressants both here and in Europe.

The most recent review concluded that the risk benefit remained positive.

Irish product information on these drugs contains warnings regarding risks of self harm and suicidal feelings and advises users to monitor these symptoms particularly in the early stages of treatment.

The board said it had no plans to withdraw the product from the market.