Judge Orders Removal of TV Ads That Claim Paxil is 'Non-Habit Forming'

LOS ANGELES-A federal judge granted the request for a preliminary injunction that would require the manufacturer of Paxil to withdraw television advertisements claiming the antidepressant does not induce dependency. In re: Paxil Litigation, No. CV-01-07937 (C.D. Calif.).

U.S. District Judge Mariana Pfaelzer's Aug. 19 decision stated that the ads were 'misleading and created inaccurate expectations about the ease of withdrawal from the drug.'

A cease and desist order was sought June 28 on behalf of 35 individuals and additional consumers who might be influenced by the allegedly misleading advertisement. The order was sought as part of a class action filed …