Consumer Affairs
SmithKline Beecham
100 Beecham Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15205

Dear SmithKline Beecham:

I enjoy your drug Paxil very much. While I occasionally hanker for the tart, fruity flavor of a Flintstones vitamin, I infinitely prefer the alleviation from desperate rumination your product offers. Despite the thousands of Americans who regularly take antidepressants, considerable stigma still surrounds their use.

The unspoken sentiment regarding antidepressants is that there is something wrong with the user. Failure to achieve happiness, or even a sustainable satisfaction with life, is anathema to a culture so passionate about success in both the personal and professional arenas. In an effort to provide succor and community to Paxil users, I think it would be great to organize social activities. My initial thought, I will confess, is a selfish one as it coincides with my favorite recreational activity: softball!

There might be enough Paxil users in certain areas to form a league. However, interdrug play will be inevitable with friendly rivalries between the Paxil Panthers and the Prozac Pirates. I would recommend playing 10 to a team, an extra outfielder or "short fielder," plus the traditional nine defensive positions. Slow pitch and five balls to walk will encourage everyone to hit. Recreational softball should never be a pitchers' duel.

I would be delighted to organize a team and would very much like it if you could provide me with a list of other users to contact. I don't think it imposing to ask SmithKline Beecham to defray uniform and equipment costs. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,
Kenneth H. Cleaver

SmithKline Beecham responds:

August 14, 2000

Kenneth H. Cleaver
P.O. Box 810
Bedford, NY 10506

Dear Mr. Cleaver:

Breaking down the stigma on anxiety disorders is a challenge we face each day. We agree that it is a formidable task to change societal beliefs that anxiety disorders are not diseases of the individual psyche but rather clear, definable medical conditions. Society's need to blame the sufferer is intolerable and must change.

We are pleased to hear that Paxil has helped you to feel better about yourself and gain control of your life, so much so that you are able to live confidently with your condition and be involved in activities with friends and strangers. You are one of the many survivors who can help society understand that anxiety is indeed a true medical illness.

We admire and acknowledge you for your commitment to helping raise awareness of anxiety disorders and your creativity in your proposal. Unfortunately, we must decline your request for assistance in building an antidepressant softball league. While we cannot provide you with a shirt, I thought you might like a sample of some Paxil promotional items.

We wish you many "home runs" in every and all games you play. As a final note, if you would be interested in sharing your story with others to help accelerate the acceptance by society of people with mental illness please contact Holly White at (212) 598-2845.

Warmest regards, Barry Brand
Product Director, Paxil

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