Dangerous Drugs - Zyprexa
Zyprexa is an atypical antipsychotic prescribed to treat the symptoms of schizophrenia and bipolar disorders. The active ingredient in Zyprexa, olanzapine, was developed by Eli Lilly & Co and in 1996 approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
Atypical antipsychotics such as Zyprexa were developed to reduce the frequency of chronic side effects that older generation antipsychotics were linked to, such as loss of coordination, muscles spasms and severe allergic reactions. Ironically, an even more serious set of Zyprexa side effects has developed.
Zyprexa alters the metabolism of some patients, causing severe weight gain and negatively affecting their cardiovascular systems. In older patients suffering from senile dementia or Alzheimer's disease, these patients suffer from an increase in neurovascular events such as embolisms and strokes. Other patients develop serious diabetic conditions, due to Zyprexa's tendency to reduce the body's sensitivity to insulin.
Originally intended to only treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorders, Zyprexa has also been prescribed for "off-label" uses as diverse as anorexia and multiple personality disorders. Unfortunately, children and adolescents displaying only minor conditions are also being prescribed Zyprexa. According to many Zyprexa critics, the risks for suffering potentially deadly and serious conditions are far greater than the benefits that Zyprexa can provide for minor conditions.
The FDA mandates that all atypical antipsychotic drugs carry warnings advising patients of the elevated risks of diabetic consequences. In recent years, concern over these side effects has prompted increasing amounts of legal action, and sales of Zyprexa have suffered accordingly. However, Zyprexa has become one of the most prescribed atypical antipsychotic drugs on the market, totaling 4.3 billion dollars annually in sales for Eli Lilly.
The use of Zyprexa can result in a number of the following dangerous side effects:
- Diabetes
- Pancreatitis
- Hyperglycemia
- Ketoacidosis
- Extreme weight gain
- Diabetic induced heart attack
- Diabetec coma
- Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)
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