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Drugs Like Zyprexa Are Overprescribed In Children
With more and more children taking antipsychotic and other psychiatric drugs (a nearly 75 percent increase between 2001 and 2005), doctors are beginning to report that so-called "atypical" drugs, such as Eli Lilly's best-selling Zyprexa (Olanzapine) are overprescribed in children. This would be disturbing in and of itself, but combined with the reports of Zyprexa's harmful side effects, the information is even more chilling for the parents of children who struggle with depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
What Are Atypical Drugs?
There are two types of anti-psychotic medications: typical and atypical. These drugs modulate the dopamine neurotransmitter system in the brain and are associated with fewer side effects than "first-generation" antipsychotic drugs such as Haldol (Haloperidol) and Prolixin (Fluphenazine). Though Zyprexa and other atypical drugs were touted as "wonder drugs" and described as more effective and far safer than previous antipsychotics on the flooded drug market, the drugs have been proven to cause severe side effects, such as pancreatitis, diabetes, and blood sugar disorders.
Zyprexa and other atypicals (such as Risperdal, Seroquel, Abilify, Geodon, and Clozaril) were originally intended to treat only schizophrenia. However, under the burden of costly international ad campaigns and flashy marketing, and bolstered by encouraging clinical trials that seemed to point to the drugs' success, doctors quickly began to prescribe them for other mental health ailments. These included non-psychotic depression, childhood aggression, personality disorders, Alzheimer's, and manic depression. Unfortunately, children were not left out of the prescription frenzy, especially with the rising incidence of schizophrenia diagnoses and other physchological disorders among kids.
Zyprexa No "Wonder Drug"
Though they were originally lauded as sensible alternatives to first-generation antipsychotic medications, Zyprexa and other atypical antipsychotic drugs have been proven to be unsafe. Some of their harmful side effects include necrotic pancreatitis (a condition in which pancreatic cells die), blood sugar dysfunctions, and diabetes mellitus. In fact, over 25 cases of death from Zyprexa-caused diabetes mellitus have been reported to date. Eli Lilly recently settled over 8,000 Zyprexa cases and has been facing legal action from families who want to know why their loved ones are suffering and even dying from the antipsychotic drug's adverse side effects.
If Your Child Has Taken Zyprexa
If your child has been treated or is being treated with Zyprexa and has experienced adverse side effects, contact a medical professional immediately. A doctor will help you get your child off Zyprexa and stabilize his or her health. Then contact an experienced Zyprexa attorney, who can help you initiate a Zyprexa law suit and claim the compensation your child deserves for pain and suffering, past medical bills, and future medical care. Your Zyprexa lawyer can help you decide whether you have a viable claim and walk you through the litigation process as you seek compensation for your child's devastating Zyprexa side effects.
Contact an Experienced Zyprexa Attorney in Your Area
Are you looking for legal advice from an attorney near you regarding Zyprexa? If so, fill in the form at the top of this page to contact an experienced Zyprexa law firm. If you think you may have a Zyprexa case, contact a LegalView Zyprexa lawyer through LegalView’s Zyprexa attorney referral service, using the form on this page.
