Manufacturers: Drugs are effective
Tuesday, 26 Feb 2008 12:54
The manufacturers of antidepressants whose effectiveness has been called into question by a new study have insisted the drugs are beneficial.
Researchers from Hull University said 'new generation' antidepressants such as Prozac and Seroxat only benefit some very severely depressed patients.
But a spokesperson for GlaxoSmithKline, which makes Seroxat, said the study only analysed a "small subset of the total data available" and "should not be used to cause unnecessary alarm and concern for patients".
A statement from Eli Lilly, which makes Prozac (fluoxetine), added: "Extensive scientific and medical experience has demonstrated that Prozac is an effective antidepressant.
"Since its discovery in 1972, fluoxetine has become one of the world's most-studied medicines. More than 40 million people suffering from depression have been treated with fluoxetine in over 100 countries around the world.
"Lilly is proud of the difference fluoxetine has made to millions of people living with depression."