# Anti-depressants are known chemically as SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) or SSNIs (Seratonin and Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors). # A leaflet called Yellow Card, once only offered to health care professionals, to report the side effec

# Anti-depressants are known chemically as SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) or SSNIs (Seratonin and Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors).

# A leaflet called Yellow Card, once only offered to health care professionals, to report the side effects of drugs, is now available to the general public. It is issued by the MHRA. These should be given out by GPs when they prescribe the drugs. There is an MHRA helpline for the form on 0808 100 3352 and you can also fill in the YellowCard on line at www.yellowcard.gov.uk

# The Seroxat User Group can be found on www.seroxatusergroup.org.uk email: janice@seroxatusergroup.org.uk

# The patient information leaflet for Seroxat warns of: nausea, change in sex drive, lack of appetite, insomnia or feeling sleepy, dizziness, tremors, blurred vision, yawning, dry mouth, diarrhoea or constipation, sweating, feeling weak, bruising easily, bleeding in the digestive system, skin rashes or itching, stiffness, lack of body movement, shaking or abnormal movements in the mouth or tongue, not being able to pass water, vomiting, low blood pressure.

# Withdrawal symptoms, according to the patient information leaflet, include: dizziness, sensory disturbances including pins and needles, burning sensations, electric shock-like sensations, sleep disturbances, vivid dreams, nightmares, inability to sleep, feeling anxious, nausea, sweating, night sweats, agitation, tremor, confusion and disorientation.

# The "doctors' Bible" The British National Formulary, a guide for GPs where prescribing drugs, is a directory of information compiled by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society with information supplied by the drugs industry.