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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by borderliner21 on April 29, 2002, at 22:24:56
Are these medications safe to use in teens?? Has anyone ever died frlom taking these medications?? I am paranoid about taking medication.
Posted by judy1 on April 29, 2002, at 23:29:53
In reply to how safe are aytipical antipsychotics, posted by borderliner21 on April 29, 2002, at 22:24:56
I've developed TD (tardive dyskinesia) from this class of med- so unless absolutely necessary like a PSYCHOTIC episode, I really don't think they should be used although I'm sure a lot of people will disagree with me here- Judy
Posted by Katt on April 30, 2002, at 10:15:06
In reply to how safe are aytipical antipsychotics, posted by borderliner21 on April 29, 2002, at 22:24:56
>I am paranoid about taking medication.
so am i.
Posted by fachad on April 30, 2002, at 11:33:46
In reply to how safe are aytipical antipsychotics, posted by borderliner21 on April 29, 2002, at 22:24:56
Many here will say they are safe, but the companies that make them sponsor the studies showing their safety.
IMHO, any antipsychotic med is inherently dangerous because of the horrific risk of TD tardive diskenesia that could be permanent and disfiguring.
They have their place, but I don't think their use should ever be taken lightly and without serous concern and lengthy deliberation of the grave risks involved.
Posted by xjs7 on April 30, 2002, at 15:30:15
In reply to how safe are aytipical antipsychotics, posted by borderliner21 on April 29, 2002, at 22:24:56
I think "safe" is relative with antipsychotics. If there are other alternatives--like mood stabilizers or benzodiazepines--then no, antipsychotics are not justified. However, if there is a component of psychosis to your condition, then certainly, antipsychotics are the safest option. Personally, I think it is safer to take a drug that a few years later could leave me with tardive dyskinesia than it is to be hallucinating and paranoid. In my case, there really were no other options besides antipsychotics. Therefore, antipsychotics are the safest alternative for me.
The newer agents cause considerably less movement disorders than the typical drugs. They are certainly safer than their predecessors. I think the best thing to do is try the drug and see how much it helps you. If the drug effectuates a profound change in your cognition and affect, then it is probably worth it.
People have certainly died from taking various antipsychotics--clozapine [Clozaril] when first introduced caused a few deaths due to agranulocytosis; sulpiride [Serlect] was withdrawn from the market because it caused sudden deaths. Conceivably, other drugs such as ziprasidone [Geodon] can cause torsade de pointes, which is a fatal heart arrhythmia, although I am not sure if this has actually occured. One study I read indicated that the rates of sudden death among consumers of antipsychotics was considerably higher than that of the general population, although I can't remember if confounding problems like smoking and drug abuse were accounted for.
Any mental health consumer should be aware of the possible adverse effects of a drug, and these drawbacks should be weighed against the therapeutic benefits. Antipsychotics have adverse effects, but they also have enormous therapeutic value for those suffering from schizophrenia and related psychoses.
Posted by xjs7 on April 30, 2002, at 17:48:18
In reply to Re: how safe are aytipical antipsychotics, posted by xjs7 on April 30, 2002, at 15:30:15
> sulpiride [Serlect] was withdrawn from the market because it caused sudden deaths.
This should be sertindole, not sulpiride; sulpiride is a different antipsychotic.
This is the end of the thread.
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