There are several drugs, that are too commonly prescribed, that pose a risk of deadly side effects for older people. Zyprexa, Resperidol and Seroquel, among others, were developed to treat severe psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia. These drugs all bear the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s “black box” warning label. This warning label says that they may have life-threatening side effects for older people with dementia. But, doctors and facilities still prescribe these drugs to calm patients down and make the more amenable to care. This is a horrendous situation that needs attention and a solution, but there does not seem to be one yet.
For more details, read the article in the Bakersfield Californian at:http://www.bakersfield.com/hourly_news/story/696836.html