Antipsychotics are often used in dementia patients with associated symptoms of agitation, irritability and disruptive behavior; although the FDA, several years ago, issued a black-box warning outlining an increased risk of sudden death when used in this special population group.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning regarding possible severe allergic reactions to the second-generation antipsychotic Saphris. According to this FDA warning, reported signs and symptoms include anaphylaxis, angioedema (swelling below the surface of the skin), hypotension, tachycardia, swollen tongue, difficulty breathing and rash. The FDA also indicates that the drug’s [...]
In 1996, the three second-generation antipsychotics FDA approved at that time – Clozaril, Risperdal and Zyprexa – were prescribed for patients with anxiety disorders in 10 percent of office visits. The bulk of the prescribing for anxiety was with Risperdal and Zyprexa because Clozaril was not (and still isn’t) considered a first-line agent of choice [...]
Antipsychotics developed after 1990 are referred to as second-generation agents because they act on different neuroreceptor sites compared to their first-generation (Thorazine, Haldol, Stelazine, Navane, Mellaril, etc.) counterparts. Specifically, the SGAs block both dopamine and serotonin receptors and are more different from each other than they are alike. SGAs have fewer movement-related side effects. They [...]
On December 4, 2009, the FDA approved the use of two more antipsychotic medications — Zyprexa and Seroquel — for treating schizophrenia and bipolar disorder in teens. Risperdal and Abilify are also specifically approved for the same use in this age group. In association with the approval of Zyprexa and Seroquel, the FDA also stated [...]
On August 14, 2009, the FDA approved Saphris (asenapine) as a new second-generation antipsychotic for the treatment of both schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It is available only as a sublingual tablet, meaning that it is not effective if swallowed, and it must be left under the tongue to dissolve for it to be absorbed into [...]