A HADLEIGH woman is today headed for a High Court showdown with a pharmaceutical giant in a bid for compensation.Margaret Addison, of Ansell Close, is suing GlaxoSmithKline UK which makes the anti-depressant drug Seroxat.

A HADLEIGH woman is today headed for a High Court showdown with a pharmaceutical giant in a bid for compensation.

Margaret Addison, of Ansell Close, is suing GlaxoSmithKline UK which makes the anti-depressant drug Seroxat.

Ms Addison claims her life has been blighted by addiction to the drug, also known as paroxetine.

She, along with several hundred other people who say they too have suffered personal injuries, is now claiming for damages of up to £50,000 in the legal battle. The cases are being funded by legal aid.

The drug is designed to restore the taker's confidence and happiness but some patients argue that instead it can have a devastating effect leading to addiction and in some cases suicide attempts.

The law firm managing the claim, Cardiff-based Hugh James, is handling claims that the anti-depressant is “defective” under the Consumer Protection Act.

A spokesman for GlaxoSmithKline said: "We believe there is no merit in this litigation. Seroxat has benefited millions of people worldwide who have suffered from depression.

“We do not believe the product is defective and are continuing to defend the litigation."

It is understood legal proceedings are at a very early stage and only some of the claims have so far been lodged at the High Court, none of which have yet been before a High Court judge.

Are you taking on a legal battle against a pharmaceutical company? Do you take Seroxat? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.