Tm Cruise has criticised Hollywood pal Brooke Shields' "misguided" use of the anti-depressant Paxil, declaring the actress' career as over.

The Internet Media Database quoted a to-be-aired TV interview, in which Cruise speaks of his disappointment to learn Shields used Paxil to fight post-natal depression following the birth of daughter Rowan.

Cruise, who claims to have helped people fight drug addictions through his controversial Scientology religion, says the "Suddenly Susan" actress should have used vitamins to help her feelings of despair.

"Here is a woman, and I care about Brooke Shields because I think she is an incredibly talented woman, you look at (and think) where has her career gone," said the "Minority Report" actor.

"These drugs are dangerous. I have actually helped people come off. When you talk about postpartum... there is a hormonal thing that is going on, scientifically. But when you talk about emotional, chemical imbalances in people, there is no science behind that. You can use vitamins to help a woman through those things."

Shields is currently weaning herself off her medication so she and husband Chris Henchy can have another child. Her role as the murderess Roxie Hart in the London theatre production of "Chicago" has been receiving rave reviews.