Post by empeg1 on Mar 31, 2015 21:18:04 GMT -5
Atypical Anti-psychotics, like Zyprexa and Seroquel, are prescribed off label, not just for schizophrenia or biplolar disorder. And, there is a mistaken perception that a serious side effect is not a risk with these medications. It is. Research published in the last couple of years point to risk for Tardive Dyskinesia with Seroquel and other atypicals, not just the older medications like Haldol and Thorazone. Be careful. Tardive Dyskinesia, a serious movement disorder, has no cure and if often not only permanent but disfiguring, often affecting work, socialization with others, emotional well being and causing discomfort. Astra Zeneca, the pharmaceutical company that produces Seroquel has paid milliions in fines to the government for the off label promotion of this medication, for sleep, depression, GAD, etc., without systematic research to back up its efficacy for all of the above and with a list of serious side effects. Caveat Emptor- psychiatrist do not always warn their patients, educate them as to what to look for or the docs themselves do not respond when tics begin. It is critical to respond immediately when such movements start.
I know. Years ago I was erroneously given a typica anti-psychotic, Haldol. For years I have shown a mild facial tic, on and off. My psychiatrist never commented that the above could be a movement disorder not did she refer me to a neurologist. I was taking a very low dose. Guess what, a low dose over time still presents risk. In a recent surgery, the surgeon took it upon herself to stop the Seroquel, without notifying the psychiatrist. Abrupt discontinuation can precipitate or exacerbate Tardive Dyskinesia. I am now severely affected, following this discontinuation, with my eyes, face, mouth and larynx (speech) involved, affecting all parts of my life. My psychiatrist did not initiate the referral to a neurologist specializing in movement disorders; I insisted. I am now diagnosed with Tardive Dyskensia, which means brain damage caused by this medication.
Tardive Dyskinesia can begin years after discontinuation of the medication. And, anyone who has experienced Akathisia or Parkinson-like symptoms from any medication is at high risk. Anyone who is African American, Ashkenazi Jew, older and female is also at higher risk. I cannot believe this has happened to me and the docs I trusted violated the fundamental oath of medicine: first do no harm.
I know. Years ago I was erroneously given a typica anti-psychotic, Haldol. For years I have shown a mild facial tic, on and off. My psychiatrist never commented that the above could be a movement disorder not did she refer me to a neurologist. I was taking a very low dose. Guess what, a low dose over time still presents risk. In a recent surgery, the surgeon took it upon herself to stop the Seroquel, without notifying the psychiatrist. Abrupt discontinuation can precipitate or exacerbate Tardive Dyskinesia. I am now severely affected, following this discontinuation, with my eyes, face, mouth and larynx (speech) involved, affecting all parts of my life. My psychiatrist did not initiate the referral to a neurologist specializing in movement disorders; I insisted. I am now diagnosed with Tardive Dyskensia, which means brain damage caused by this medication.
Tardive Dyskinesia can begin years after discontinuation of the medication. And, anyone who has experienced Akathisia or Parkinson-like symptoms from any medication is at high risk. Anyone who is African American, Ashkenazi Jew, older and female is also at higher risk. I cannot believe this has happened to me and the docs I trusted violated the fundamental oath of medicine: first do no harm.
