A YOUNG dad devastated by his wife's suicide today spoke of his family's hell - and welcomed an inquiry into the use of the anti-depressant Seroxat.

Marban Ahmed, 34, of Longton Street, Blackburn, was speaking after growing concern about the drug's alleged side effects.

The "intense review" announced by Public Health Minister Hazel Blears was also welcomed by East Lancashire MPs but they stressed that patients should not stop taking the drug but should seek advice from their doctor.

A Department of Health spokesman said that one of the alleged side-effects which prompted the review was an increase in suicidal thoughts.

But the drug's manufacturers insisted there was no medical evidence to back concerns.

Qamar Ussina, 31, was taking the anti-depressant Seroxat before she was found hanged from the bannister at her home on Sunday September 15.

An inquest last month heard that Mrs Ahmed was prescribed the anti-depressant for post-natal depression following the birth of her fourth child on May 30.

Her husband told the hearing he had seen a Panorama TV programme which suggested the drug was linked to suicide but coroner Michael Singleton said he was unable to comment.

Today Mr Ahmed, a former taxi driver, said their eight-year-old twin girls, Romana and Shaibana, had handled the loss as well as could be expected, but he is worried about little Sahra, the four-year-old daughter who was with him when he found his wife's body.

"I can see the change in her, she does things that are totally out of character. I can tell when she's thinking of that day.

"I've put the house up for sale - it has too many memories for us.

"I've also had to give up work to look after my girls. My family have been great but I'm a single parent and I can't leave them, especially now."

Mr Ahmed said that it started when his wife gave birth to their fourth girl Aqsa in Queen's Park Hospital, Blackburn.

"It got really bad about two weeks before she died. She said she had lost the feeling in her limbs and her body."

He said shortly after the birth she saw her doctor who thought she was suffering from post-natal depression. He said this was a view confirmed by a health visitor who called in September, who suggested that Mrs Ahmed should be referred for psychiatric treatment.

Minister Hazel Blears said that despite previous reviews the Medicines Control Agency had ordered a new "intensive review'' of Seroxat and its family of anti-depressant drugs.

A Department of Health spokesman said that in extreme circumstances the drug could be banned but it was more likely that new advice on prescribing would be given.

Already there are warnings on side effects and withdrawal symptoms are issued with the product.

Hyndburn Labour MP Mr Pope said: "If there are concerns they should be investigated. The government is right to look at any side effects of the drug and if necessary take action.''

A spokesman for GlaxoSmithKline, which makes the drug, said: "There is no viable scientific research relating Seroxat to causing suicide thoughts or acts. Suicide can be a recognisable component of depression."

Glaxo also said the inquiry was a type of review which is conducted on a regular basis by the Medicine Control Agency.

"We work with the regulatory authorities on an on-going basis and evaluate the safety record of our medicines based on the latest data and this review is part of that continuous dialogue."