Information on Zyprexa

Zyprexa received FDA approval in 1996. Considered an atypical antipsychotic, Zyprexa was initially approved for the short-term treatment of acute manic episodes in bipolar disorder, though after more information on Zyprexa was discovered, doctors began to prescribe Zyprexa for a much wider range of conditions. Anti psychotic drugs were first introduced in 1989 and were viewed as an almost miraculous drug for effectively treating schizophrenia with fewer side effects than the older drugs had.

Zyprexa is the worlds best selling schizophrenia medication, accounting for 40% of Eli Lilly’s total $11.08 2002 sales. In 2003, Zyprexa sales are expected to top out at $4 billion. Now, people are criticizing the so-called “wonder drug” as a growing number of Zyprexa lawsuits are being filed. Not only are the experts unsure of whether or not the benefits of Zyprexa are really outweighing what was believed to have minimal side effects, but also now the risk has become even more widespread.

No longer are just schizophrenia patients being given Zyprexa, but children and adolescents displaying only minor conditions. The risks for suffering potentially deadly and serious conditions are far greater than any benefits Zyprexa can provide the minor conditions, according to many critics of the drug. Especially since antipsychotic drugs like Zyprexa have not been adequately tested for safety in children, understanding the full extent of Zyprexa side effects is essential.

Most commonly, Zyprexa side effects include drowsiness and weight gain. Certain individual traits have an increased risk for suffering Zyprexa side effects. Specifically, women, elderly, and Asians have been observed to be more prone to adverse Zyprexa effects. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is a rare but very dangerous and potentially fatal adverse effect of Zyprexa characterized by fever, profuse sweating, rigid muscles, fast or irregular heartbeat, and kidney failure.

Patients prescribed Zyprexa for the treatment of symptoms other than schizophrenia or a serious psychotic disorder should seek alternate treatment options due to the risk of suffering serious and potentially fatal Zyprexa side effects. In the 2000 Evaluations of Drug Interactions Zyprexa was listed alongside other drugs warning patients to be especially careful about combining certain medication types. The use of Zyprexa and certain drugs can result in highly clinically significant or clinically significant interactions.

The Public Citizen consumer group has advised Zyprexa patients to follow safety warning Zyprexa guidelines that Japanese officials issued in April 2002 since the U.S. failed to release adequate Zyprexa warnings. For more information on Zyprexa contact us. There have been 288 reported cases of diabetes by Zyprexa patients, including 23 Zyprexa deaths.