Schizophrenia Daily News Blog

Schizophrenia, Meds & Side Effects

Schizophrenia And Medication Side Effects

Recently there has been a lot of news about the medications used for treating schizophrenia. From Florida's possible drug restrictions for Medicaid patients to Eli Lilly's recent "announcement to spend $690 million to end lawsuits (concerning side effects)..." A significant focus of this news has been on the side effects of these medications.

Medication side effects (with all diseases) are common to many people diagnosed with schizophrenia. One example is the "renowned jazz musician and composer" Tom Harrell. Harrell has been on many different medications and as a result, he has suffered from side effects such as weight gain, fatigue, and even the "deadly condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome, in which the muscles become rigid, blood pressure rises and muscles can deteriorate." Though, Harrell is much better now, many patients have similar experiences.

The good news is that, "a 1,600 patient clinical trial comparing widely used antipsychotics (...) is expected to be available later this summer. The trial, known by the codename CATIE, is being funded by the National Institute of Mental Health and will compare Zyprexa, Seroquel, Geodon and Risperdal, from Johnson & Johnson (...), and an older antipsychotic. Results are expected by the end of the summer. " Doctors hope that the data from the study "will make it easier to match patients like Harrell with the right drug for them."

This information was provided by Forbes.com:
http://www.forbes.com

To read the full article:
http://tinyurl.com/7d4yb

To read our recent stories concerning medication and side effects:
http://www.schizophrenia.com/sznews/archives/001943.html
http://www.schizophrenia.com/sznews/archives/001939.html