A CAMPAIGNER against anti-depressant drug Seroxat today welcomed a Government move to ban it from being given to children.

Lynne Bradley, of Avalon Way, Darwen, said the news is a big step in a campaign towards getting the use of the drug limited.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), said new data from manufacturers GlaxoSmithKline showed the drug was not effective at treating depression in the under-18s.

The experts said under-18s should not be given the anti-depressant as the risk of suicidal thoughts and self harm is up to three times higher among those on the drug.

In the last year alone, 40,000 Seroxat prescriptions in the UK were written for under-18s with 7,000-8,000 children and adolescents given the drug for depression

Nine studies - based on more than 1,000 children - had shown that the risk of suicidal thoughts and self harm was two to three times greater among those on Seroxat compared to those on a placebo drug.

But the MHRA said it was important no one stopped taking the drug suddenly.

Patients who did so might see symptoms of their depression return and could suffer withdrawal symptoms, including an increased risk of suicide.

Teenagers and children on Seroxat were advised instead to consult their doctor.

Lynne Bradley, 52, wants to set-up a support group for users of the controversial anti-depressant.

She said: "It's great news and I am really pleased that the government has moved so quickly on it.

"I now want them to look at it for adults.

"I want to see it prescribed for what it is supposed to be prescribed for, that is proper depression, and not general stress.

"This is a very big step on the way indeed."

Lynne has taken the drug for three years and said she has suffered 48 different side effects which have had a detrimental effect on her life.

Last month Marban Ahmed, 34, of Longton Close, Blackburn, said he was to sue the drug manufacturers GlaxoSmithKline, after his wife committed suicide after taking the drug.

Other East Lancs users have come forward with accounts of suicidal thoughts while taking the drug.

The MHRA said its expert group would now consider if it had any implication for adults on Seroxat.

Dr Alastair Benbow, head of European Psychiatry for GlaxoSmithKline, said: "The decision by the MHRA is solely concerned with the treatment of children and teenagers under 18 years with major depressive disorder.

"It is not related to the use of Seroxat by adults, where this treatment has proven effective and has helped millions of people around the world to lead fuller and more productive lives."