Parker Waichman LLP

Despite Risks, Elderly Still Treated with Antipsychotic Drugs

The use of both conventional and atypical antipsychotics to treat dementia in older patients has been linked to an increased the risk of stroke and death.  Despite such dangers, a recent Canadian study has found that atypical antipsychotic drugs are increasingly being used to treat elderly patients. It is estimated that nearly 30 percent of […]

The use of both conventional and atypical antipsychotics to treat dementia in older patients has been linked to an increased the risk of stroke and death.  Despite such dangers, a recent Canadian study has found that atypical antipsychotic drugs are increasingly being used to treat elderly patients.

It is estimated that nearly 30 percent of all nursing home patients have received antipsychotic drugs at one time or another.  Atypical antipsychotics include drugs like  <"https://www.yourlawyer.com/topics/overview/risperdal">Risperdal,<"https://www.yourlawyer.com/topics/overview/seroquel"> Seroquel, and <"https://www.yourlawyer.com/topics/overview/zyprexa">Zyprexa.  Conventional antipsychotics, which are older drugs, include Thorazine, Haldol and others.

In the U.S., both conventional and atypical  antipsychotic drugs were approved to treat the symptoms of schizophrenia.  They are not approved for use in the treatment of dementia-related symptoms, which can include forgetfulness, poor memory, and an inability to recognize familiar objects, sounds, or people. However, physicians are free to use approved drugs in any way they see fit – a practice known as off-label use.

In June, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) asked the makers of conventional antipsychotics to add a black box to their labels warning that the drugs they are associated with an increased risk of death when used in elderly patients to treat dementia-related psychosis. In 2005, the FDA announced similar labeling changes for atypical antipsychotic drugs.

But according to a study conducted by Canadian researchers, those warnings are not being heeded.  Between late 2002 and June 2005, Health Canada, the agency in that country that regulates drug safety,  issued three warnings that three new atypical antipsychotic drugs increased risk of stroke or death in elderly patients with dementia .  Yet, scientist at the University of Toronto found that while use of the drugs to treat dementia declined, their overall use among elderly actually increased during that period.

Their analysis of prescription drug data in the province of Ontario found that antipsychotic drug use among the elderly increased 20 percent from the month prior to the first warning in September 2002 to February 2007. About 70 percent of the seniors receiving antipsychotic drugs lived in nursing homes, and about 40 percent of them were 85 or older.

In an article published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, Dr. Geoffrey Anderson and coauthors on the study wrote that they “found that the 3 warnings about serious adverse events associated with use of atypical antipsychotic agents in elderly people with dementia had a limited effect on the prescription rates of these agents. We also found that the overall rates of use of these drugs actually increased between the first warning in 2002 and the end of our follow-up in 2007.”

“This finding highlights the limited impact of warnings and suggests that more effective approaches are needed to protect vulnerable populations from potentially hazardous medications,” they wrote.

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
Call back in good timing
Genevalea Lee
a year ago
5 Star Reviews 150
My experience with Parker Waichman LLP team is the greatest experience, I was well informed in every step of my case. MY sincere thank for the most professional representation team. Special thank you to Nicole Copertino for your outstanding Job.
Amal Ulla
5 days ago
5 Star Reviews 150
i am glad to give a 5 star review for parker waichman and the absolute competent...consummate professional ms. benita rollis. she is capable, friendly and patient and has seen me through the entire process...i am giving 5 stars because of the limit shown above but she has performed at a 10 star level....kudos to ms. rollis and pw ...thanks for all
larry howard
3 years ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038