Tough new rules are needed to control a controversial anti-depressant, according to a woman who blames the drug for wrecking her life.

The Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MHRA) yesterday said Seroxat should not be given to under-18s because of the risk it could make suicidal thoughts and self-harm more likely.

Jacqueline Moon, 39, of Ashgate Road, Eastbourne, has suffered severe side effects since being prescribed the drug five years ago.

She says she has experienced spasms, constant nausea, aching, anxiety and morbid thoughts since becoming addicted to the drug.

When she tried to come off the treatment she became so ill she was taken to hospital.

Many adults have complained the drug has led to suicidal thoughts, despite Crawley-based manufacturers GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) insisting it is safe.

Last month Sussex coroner Roger Stone said he would alert the Health and Safety Executive about his concerns after the death of nurse Emma Gibson.

Miss Gibson, 35, from Brighton, was found engulfed in flames near her burning car last March.

Her family believe a recent increase in her daily Seroxat prescription tipped the balance of her mind towards suicide.

The MHRA said new data from GSK showed the drug was not effective at treating depression in people under 18.

Mrs Moon believes adults are at risk, too, unless Seroxat is much more tightly controlled and tested.

She said: "My experiences of Seroxat have been horrendous.

"It was only last year, when I heard other people's stories, I began to realise this drug, which was meant to help, was actually doing me so much harm. It's frightening.

"It should be very strictly monitored. Anyone prescribed Seroxat should have to be constantly re-assessed but that just isn't happening."

The MHRA said it was now considering including GSK in its new audits of companies to monitor drug safety.

Dr Alasdair Benbow, head of European psychiatry for GSK, said depression was the leading cause of suicide and that the MHRA's advice only related to under-18s.

He said: "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."