Zyprexa & Sudden Heart Failure
The New England Journal of Medicine recently published a study linking atypical antipsychotics such as Risperdal, Zyprexa and Seroquel with sudden heart failure. Atypical Antipsychotics are prescribed for conditions such as Dementia, Autism and Schizophrenia but doctors have also been known to prescribe them for such disorders as Alzheimer's Disease and Attention Deficit Disorder, which they are not approved for.
The study performed found 478 sudden cardiac deaths among the patients taking Risperdal, Zyprexa or Seroquel, which accounts for about twice the rate of the control group. The risk was about three deaths for every 1,000 patients taking an atypical antipsychotic. Sudden heart failure is especially prevalent in patients taking higher doses of these drugs.
This study showed risks significant enough to urge doctors to limit the prescribing of Risperdal, Zyprexa and Seroquel, especially in children and the elderly. On top of the risk of heart failure, children and the elderly are also more susceptible to the drugs other side effects, including rapid weight gain. It was thought in the past that the new atypical antipsychotics were safer than those put on the market in the past, but this new study has shown that this thinking is incorrect.
If you or a loved one has been affected by the atypical antipsychotic Risperdal, Zyprexa or Seroquel, please contact our service immediately. We can help put you in touch with experienced attorneys who can help you with your case.
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