After Beth passed away due to Paxil, we were interviewed by an advocacy group who also made this film which included Beth's Story below.

Education on the Dangers of Paxil and other SSRIs 

Resources are below can help you go directly to the FDA and DOJ websites to learn more about the dangers of Paxil and the criminal activity of GlaxoSmithKline (GSK).

1. Warning Insert on Paxil 

FDA: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2024/020936Orig1s065lbl.pdf 

2. Black Box Warning Label on Paxil:

WARNING: SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIORS See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. Increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in pediatric and young adult patients taking antidepressants. Closely monitor all antidepressant-treated patients for clinical worsening and emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. PAXIL CR is not approved for use in pediatric patients.

3. Lawsuit on Paxil from the DOJ website:

https://www.justice.gov/archives/opa/pr/glaxosmithkline-plead-guilty-and-pay-3-billion-resolve-fraud-allegations-and-failure-report#:~:text=Since%202004%2C%20Paxil%2C%20like%20other,in%20patients%20under%20age%2018.

4. My Google Slide Deck on Beth's Story and Paxil:

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1SPfP3215iUO7X0Kbq0dfceImrwLdopW22OMZ-yPBxTw/edit?usp=sharinghttps://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1SPfP3215iUO7X0Kbq0dfceImrwLdopW22OMZ-yPBxTw/edit?usp=sharing 

Trends in the US on SSRI's 

The rate of prescribing selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) to children and adolescents in the U.S. has significantly increased since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.PubMed+4Psychiatry Advisor+4NPR+4

The side effect that caused Beth's Death,

Akathisia: A Dangerous and Often Misunderstood Side Effect

Certain antidepressants, including Paxil (paroxetine), can sometimes cause sudden and severe changes in mood or behavior. One of the most alarming reactions is akathisia, a medication-induced condition that not only causes physical restlessness but can also drive overwhelming emotional distress. Left unrecognized, akathisia has been directly linked to self-harm and suicide【Cleveland Clinic†source】.

What Is Akathisia?

Akathisia is far more than simple agitation. People living with it often describe an unbearable inner turmoil combined with an uncontrollable urge to move — pacing, rocking, or constant shifting. This relentless restlessness can feel torturous, and in some cases, it pushes individuals toward desperate and impulsive actions, including suicide attempts【PMC†source】【Lippincott Journals†source】.

SSRIs and the Risk of Suicidality

While akathisia is traditionally associated with antipsychotic drugs, SSRIs such as Paxil can also trigger it. The exact mechanism is not fully understood, but researchers believe these medications alter neurotransmitter balance in ways that can heighten agitation and inner distress. Alarmingly, suicidal thoughts and behaviors may emerge even in people who were never depressed before starting the medication【Cleveland Clinic†source】【Psychiatrist.com†source】.

Why Vigilance Is Critical

Because akathisia often appears in the first weeks of treatment or after a dosage change, early monitoring can save lives. Patients and their families should be taught to recognize the warning signs — intense restlessness, agitation, or sudden changes in mood — and seek medical attention immediately. In many cases, timely adjustments to the medication or dosage can relieve symptoms and reduce suicide risk【PMC†source】.

Paxil Study 329 and the Lawsuit Against GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)

• Study 329 was a clinical trial conducted in the 1990s to assess the safety and efficacy of the antidepressant Paxil (paroxetine) in adolescents.

• The study was funded by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), the manufacturer of Paxil.

• In 2001, the study was published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, claiming Paxil was “generally well tolerated and effective” for adolescent depression.

• Independent reanalysis of the raw data later showed that Paxil was not effective for depression in adolescents and was associated with an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior.

• The original publication misrepresented both the efficacy and safety data, minimizing the risks and overstating the benefits.

• In 2004, the FDA issued a black box warning for all antidepressants regarding increased risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children and adolescents.

• In 2012, GSK agreed to pay a $3 billion settlement in what was then the largest healthcare fraud settlement in U.S. history.

• The U.S. Department of Justice accused GSK of illegally promoting Paxil for use in children, despite knowing the risks and lack of efficacy shown in their own data.

• GSK was also accused of failing to report safety data and paying kickbacks to doctors to prescribe its medications.

• Study 329 has become a widely cited example of scientific misconduct, ghostwriting, and the manipulation of clinical trial data in pharmaceutical research.

Trends in Pediatric Psychiatry

Key Findings on SSRIs Prescribing Trends, eventhough the Blackbox Warning Label says that SSRIs are not recommended for anyone under the age of 25 they are being prescribed at a rapid pace in the US by mislead physicians:

• Accelerated Dispensing Rates: A study published in Pediatrics analyzed data from 2016 to 2022 and found that the monthly rate of antidepressant dispensing to individuals aged 12 to 25 increased by approximately 64% more rapidly after March 2020 compared to pre-pandemic trends. Michigan Medicine+2NPR+2IHPI+2

• Notable Increase Among Adolescent Girls: The same study highlighted that the monthly dispensing rate for adolescent girls (ages 12–17) surged by 129.6% post-pandemic onset. For young adult women (ages 18–25), the increase was about 56.6%. Axios+1Psychiatry Advisor+1Psychiatry Advisor

• Overall Prescription Volume: Between 2016 and 2022, over 221 million antidepressant prescriptions were dispensed to approximately 18.4 million individuals aged 12 to 25. Of these prescriptions, 67.3% were for SSRIs, with sertraline (24.1%), fluoxetine (18.5%), and escitalopram (16.3%) being the most commonly prescribed. Psychiatry Advisor

Broader Psychotropic Medication Trends

• Increased Psychotropic Prescriptions: A study in JAMA Network Open reported that from March 2020 to May 2022, monthly psychotropic medication prescriptions for children and adolescents rose by 1.3% per month, reaching 16.1 prescriptions per 1,000 individuals by May 2022. This was a significant uptick compared to the pre-pandemic monthly increase of 0.4%. JAMA Network

Antidepressant-Specific Increase: Within the same period, antidepressant prescription rates exceeded expected levels by 38% for adolescents and 23% for children, indicating a substantial rise beyond projected trends

Finding Support

The information shared on this website is for educational and inspirational purposes only and should not be considered medical, therapeutic, or legal advice. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, please seek support from a qualified professional or call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline).

https://www.theinnercompass.org/

 the Inner Compass Initiative offers:

• Support for psychiatric drug withdrawal often overlooked in the mental health industry, like tapering and withdrawal

• A well-researched content library

• Stories and wisdom of thousands of people who have been on psychiatric medication

Learn more about the dangers of SSRI:

Dr. David Healy

https://davidhealy.org/

Dr. Peter Breggin 

https://breggin.com/

Woody Matters

https://www.woodymatters.com/

Healthy Alternatives to SSRIs
Supporting Emotional and Mental Well-being Naturally

If you or a loved one is struggling with depression or anxiety and seeking alternatives to SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors), there are several natural and holistic approaches that may support emotional health. These alternatives should never replace professional medical advice or treatment but can complement a thoughtful, personalized approach to mental well-being.

1. Therapeutic Support.

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): A widely used method to identify and reframe unhelpful thinking patterns.

• Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT): For Preventing relapse in people with recurrent depression

  • Combines cognitive therapy with mindfulness meditation.

  • Helps individuals relate differently to thoughts and feelings, reducing rumination.

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Helps build emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal skills.

• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): Often used for trauma, this therapy supports the brain’s natural healing process.

• Somatic Therapy: Focuses on the mind-body connection to help release stored tension and trauma.

• Support Groups & Peer Support: Shared experience and community can be a vital source of strength and healing.

2. Mind-Body Practices

• Meditation & Mindfulness: Regular practice can help calm the mind, reduce stress, and improve emotional regulation.

• Prayer & Scripture Reading: Many individuals find comfort, meaning, and peace through spiritual practices.

• Breathwork & Deep Relaxation: Techniques like box breathing or guided imagery can reduce anxiety and promote calm.

3. Lifestyle and Routine

• Exercise: Physical activity, especially aerobic movement like walking, biking, or swimming, can boost mood-enhancing brain chemicals.

• Sleep Hygiene: A consistent sleep schedule, limiting screen time before bed, and creating a restful environment are key to emotional resilience.

• Nutrition: Whole foods rich in omega-3s, antioxidants, and B-vitamins support brain health. Reducing processed sugars and artificial additives can also make a difference.

4. Natural Supplements

Always consult a licensed healthcare provider before beginning any supplement regimen.

For Depression

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids (from fish oil or algae)

• Vitamin D

• B-Complex Vitamins

• Magnesium

• L-Theanine

• St. John’s Wort (note: this can interact with medications—professional guidance is essential)

 For Anxiety

• Magnesium

• L-Theanine

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids (from fish oil or algae)

• Vitamin D

• B-Complex Vitamins

• Ashwagandha (avoid during pregnancy or thyroid issues unless approved by a healthcare provider)

• Chamomile (capsule, extract, or tea)

• Passionflower (capsule, tincture, or tea)

5. Connection & Purpose

• Meaningful relationships, volunteering, and creative expression help restore a sense of connection and purpose.

• Limiting social media and increasing real-world interaction can improve emotional balance.

   

6. Connect with Nature

• Time outdoors—walking, hiking, gardening, or simply sitting in the sun—has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and promote a sense of peace.

• Nature helps ground the mind and body in the present moment.

7. Gratitude Practice

• My dad always taught us that "Gratitude is the Attitude." Gratitude is a healing practice.

• Keeping a gratitude journal or reflecting daily on things you’re thankful for can shift focus from stress to appreciation.

• Gratitude has been linked to greater emotional resilience and well-being.

   

Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical or mental health condition. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a licensed healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your health or before starting any new supplement, therapy, or treatment. Neither the author nor the practitioner assumes any liability for the use or misuse of this information. This content does not endorse or promote any specific products or treatments.

The information shared on this website is for educational and inspirational purposes only and should not be considered medical, therapeutic, or legal advice. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, please seek support from a qualified professional or call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline).

To learn more or to book a speaking engagement or one-on-one mentoring and coaching session with Carin Winter, please visit

www.GraceHealing.Co or email Carin at [email protected].

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