Atypical Antipsychotics
Atypical antipsychotics are also known as second generation antipsychotics. Typical antipsychotics are the drugs that many of us might think of when we think of drugs given to schizophrenics or people having seizures; they are the "knockout," or neuroleptic, drugs that have severely sedative effects on patients. The first FDA-approved atypical antipsychotic was Clozaril (clozapine), approved for the treatment of schizophrenia in 1990. More commonly-prescribed atypical antipsychotics include:
- Risperdal
- Zyprexa
- Geodon
- Abilify
- Seroquel
- Serlect, Serdolect (not approved for sale in the U.S.)
All atypical antipsychotics carry warnings about their metabolic side effects, which have been of grave concern to clinicians and to the U.S. FDA. In 2003, the FDA required all manufacturers of atypical antipsychotics to change their labeling to include a warning about the risks of hyperglycemia and diabetes with atypical antipsychotics. Extreme hyperglycemia, or elevated blood sugar, has been reported in patients treated with all atypical antipsychotics. Seroquel has also been associated with ketoacidosis (insulin deficiency), coma or death, all stages of metabolic dysfunction common in untreated type 1 diabetes mellitus.
Many patients have reported unmanageable sugar cravings and hunger related to taking the atypical antipsychotics. Increased sugar cravings may lead to increased sugar intake, overloading the body's normal insulin production and causing it to shutdown. If you've been diagnosed with hyperglycemia or diabetes while taking an atypical antipsychotic, you may wish to consult with a lawyer about your specific situation. Diabetes can require lifetime management, lifestyle changes, medication and care.
Seroquel linked to diabetic complications
Extreme hyperglycemia, or elevated blood sugar, has been reported in patients treated with Seroquel. Seroquel has also been associated with ketoacidosis (insulin deficiency), coma or death, all stages of metabolic dysfunction common in untreated type 1 diabetes mellitus. If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes while taking Seroquel, you may be entitled to damages for your injuries. For more information …
Zyprexa linked to NMS
Zyprexa (Olanzapine) is a psychotropic agent that belongs to the thienobenzodiazepine class. Zyprexa is indicated for the treatment of schizophrenia. Zyprexa has been linked to Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS), a potentially fatal symptom complex and Tardive Dyskinesia, a syndrome of …
