FDA Warning:Tardive Dyskinesia & Metroclopramide use--let's talk about Seroquel and Abilify too

FDA Warning:Tardive Dyskinesia & Metroclopramide use--let's talk about Seroquel and Abilify too


neuroleptic/antipsychotic medication permanent damage from use



antipsychotics and children-fox news



Tardive Dyskinesia(involuntary movement).

"What is Tardive Dyskinesia?

Tardive dyskinesia is a neurological syndrome caused by the long-term use of neuroleptic (antipsychotics)drugs. Neuroleptic drugs are generally prescribed for psychiatric disorders, as well as for some gastrointestinal and neurological disorders. Tardive dyskinesia is characterized by repetitive, involuntary, purposeless movements. Features of the disorder may include grimacing, tongue protrusion, lip smacking, puckering and pursing, and rapid eye blinking. Rapid movements of the arms, legs, and trunk may also occur. Involuntary movements of the fingers may appear as though the patient is playing an invisible guitar or piano."

What drugs are neuroleptics? antipsychotics? for example:

Abilify
CLozaril
Haldol
Seroquel
Zyprexa

FDA Warning-February 27, 2009-Tardive Dyskinesia & Metroclopramide:

"ROCKVILLE, Md., Feb. 27 -- Drugs containing the antiemetic metoclopramide must carry a boxed warning about the risk of tardive dyskinesia, the FDA announced."

"The symptoms of tardive dyskinesia can continue after stopping the drugs and are rarely reversible."


"The FDA said manufacturers of drugs that include metoclopramide must also implement a risk mitigation strategy that would ensure patients receive a medication guide with each prescription detailing the risks.


Metoclopramide-containing drugs include tablets, syrups, and injections used for short-term treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease in patients who have not responded to other therapies, as well as diabetic gastroparesis."


Reglan(Metoclopramide).

Warning:

"Mental depression has occurred in patients with and without prior history of depression. Symptoms have ranged from mild to severe and have included suicidal ideation and suicide. Metoclopramide should be given to patients with a prior history of depression only if the expected benefits outweigh the potential risks."

How important is it to understand the fine print of any drug you take? (very)

Note, that the Reglan is not an antipsychotic, yet carries a box warning for Tardive Dyskinesia.

Note, that Abilify and Seroquel are antipsychotics, not antidepressants. If you have been prescibed one of these drugs for depression, it is imperative you understand this. They are neuroleptics, and very potent chemicals, typically reserved for severe psychosis or schizophrenia.

Abilify has a new marketing stragedy to increase sales: use as an "add-on" to an existing antidepressant. It's an antipsychotic, with a black box warning for diabetes, same as Seroquel and Zyprexa. AstraZeneca (Seroquel) is in court now regarding hidden internal documents that may show the company buried data that showed diabetes was a known side effect. Lilly (Zyprexa) already went to court and settled that lawsuit.

Are you willing to take a drug that can cause permanent damage even after you stop taking the drug?