Why Zyprexa is Prescribed
Zyprexa is prescribed for many kinds of mental
illness, though it is only recommended for use in cases of schizophrenia
and bipolar disorder. This does not, however, prevent doctors from
using Zyprexa as a treatment for Alzheimer’s,
eating disorders, depression, panic attacks, and childhood aggression.
The use of Zyprexa in these instances has not been
encouraged by Eli Lilly & Co., but has not been opposed by them
either. This ambivalence is troubling since the company is aware
of the increased risk of adverse Zyprexa
side effects experienced by patients using the drug for off-label
purposes.
Zyprexa and Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia involves chronic mental disturbances of cognitive processes,
emotion, and behaviors. It is a complicated, incurable condition which
typically requires life-long treatment. This mental illness affects
the way a person perceives the world around them. One of the most
disturbing aspects of the condition is the confusion that accompanies
it. Schizophrenia makes organizing thoughts virtually impossible and
impedes the development and maintenance of personal relationships.
Zyprexa was created to treat these debilitating
symptoms. Zyprexa is considered to be a “second
generation antipsychotic.” First generation antipsychotics
caused terrible side effects. Doctors and patients alike were hopeful
about Zyprexa’s potential. Though Zyprexa
reduced many of the negative side effects, many patients still exhibited
unfavorable reactions. Meta-biological conditions such as obesity,
cardiovascular disorder, diabetes, and stroke presented themselves
in Zyprexa patients. As a result, the Federal Drug
Administration (FDA) mandated that all second generation antipsychotics
include a warning label advising patients of potential dangers.
Zyprexa and Bipolar Disorder
Zyprexa was originally intended as a primary treatment
for bipolar disorder. Frequent mood swings punctuated by extremes
of emotion are characteristic of bipolar disorder. The disorder
is rare, but those who suffer from it experience terrible disruptions
in their interpersonal relationships and have difficulty functioning
at work and/or school. Zyprexa promised to minimize
the extreme mood swings that often accompany bipolar disorder and
improve a person’s overall ability to function normally in
day-to-day life. Unfortunately, this promise was short-lived when
it was discovered that Zyprexa caused a significant
increase in the occurrence of stroke, diabetes, and obesity.
Zyprexa and Other Treatment Uses, Off-Label Prescriptions
Eli Lilly & Co. specifically stated that Zyprexa
is approved to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorders. Many doctors,
however, have begun to prescribe it for conditions such as anorexia
nervosa and panic attacks. Though these so-called “off label
uses” are not explicitly encouraged by Eli Lilly & Co.,
they boost the sales of Zyprexa. Due to an increase
in doctors prescribing Zyprexa for off-label usage,
there have been a growing number of patients experiencing adverse
and serious Zyprexa side effects.
Because of the increased market for antidepressants, many pharmaceutical
companies make their drugs available to treat depression regardless
of their original intent. Zyprexa is such a drug
and has been used to treat clinical and manic depression. Clinical
depression is characterized by profound periods of despair accompanied
by weight fluctuations, fatigue, and listlessness. Manic depression
has also been treated with Zyprexa. Early treatments
for manic depression damaged brain function and doctors hoped it
would be a safe and effective treatment. Unfortunately, the increase
in strokes, diabetes and obesity offset the treatment benefits of
Zyprexa.
Many in the medical profession thought that atypical antipsychotics
such as Zyprexa would help remedy Alzheimer’s
because it shares many of the same symptoms of schizophrenia such
as dementia, hallucinations, and aggressiveness. Researchers found
that elderly patients taking Zyprexa were twice
as likely to suffer a serious stroke or fatal injury, compared to
patients not exposed to Zyprexa. Unfortunately,
this came after initial reports confirming significant advances
in treatment of Alzheimer’s patients.
Severe Child Aggression is a form of mental illness characterized
by aggressive behavior, lack of proper impulse control, and general
ill temper. Children are physiologically different from adults and
medication prescribed for older patients often affects children
in unexpected ways. Since Zyprexa is prescribed
for adults suffering from many of the similar symptoms of aggression
and anxiety, many doctors prescribe it to combat those conditions
in children. Zyprexa’s manufacturer, Eli Lilly & Co.,
has not recommended prescribing Zyprexa for any
conditions other than adult schizophrenia or bipolar disorders,
but does not vehemently discourage it either.
Zyprexa Lawyers
If you believe that you or a loved one has suffered an injury
or death as a result of Zyprexa call the Zyprexa
lawyers of VanDerGinst Law. P.C. at (877)
786-1LAW (877-786-1529) or submit
the free online case evaluation. The initial consultation is
free of charge. If we agree to handle your Zyprexa
case, we will work on a contingency fee basis, which means we get
paid for our services only if, and when, there is a money recovery
for you. In many cases, a lawsuit must be filed before an applicable
expiration date, known as a statute of limitations. Please contact
our Zyprexa lawyers right away to ensure that you
do not waive your right to possible compensation. We can tell you
if you have a case for a potential Zyprexa
lawsuit.
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