What is Zyprexa Prescribed For?

Zyprexa is called a “second generation” or “atypical” antipsychotic drug in order to differentiate it from previous drugs that had a number of negative side effects. In initial studies Zyprexa demonstrated fewer occurrences of typical first generation antipsychotic drug side effects, such as loss of muscle coordination, movement, and allergic reactions. Unfortunately, Zyprexa elevated risks of stroke, diabetes, and weight gain. However, the Food and Drug Administration approved Zyprexa in 1996, and it has become the largest selling drug for the manufacturer Eli Lilly & Co.

Zyprexa and Schizophrenia

Eli Lilly & Co., specifically states that Zyprexa is designed to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorders However, many doctors have begun to prescribe it for conditions as diverse as anorexia nervosa and panic attacks. These so-called “off label uses” are not explicitly encouraged by Eli Lilly, but nevertheless boost the sales of Zyprexa. The more generalized prescription of Zyprexa has led to an increase in adverse and serious Zyprexa side effects.

Schizophrenia is a complicated condition that involves chronic mental disturbances of cognitive processes, emotion, and behavior. Zyprexa was the second of what was to become termed as a “second generation antipsychotic.” Many in the medical community believed that Zyprexa would suppress many of the debilitating effects of schizophrenia without the terrible side effects of first generation antipsychotics. Indeed, Zyprexa reduced many of these negative side effects but many patients unfortunately still exhibited negative reactions, although with significantly reduced occurrence. Additionally, Zyprexa showed a marked increase in diabetes, stroke, and many other meta-biological conditions such as obesity and cardiovascular disorder. Consequently, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) mandated that all second generation antipsychotics carry warning labels advising patients of potential dangers. Many critics, however, feel it was too little, too late.

Zyprexa and Bipolar Disorder

Zyprexa was originally intended as a primary treatment for bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is a complicated neurological disorder characterized by frequent mood swings punctuated by extremes of emotion. Although rare, it is a serious condition which can often adversely affect interpersonal relationships. Zyprexa promised to minimize the extreme mood swings that often accompany bipolar disorder. Unfortunately, this promise was short-lived when it was discovered that Zyprexa caused a significant increase in the occurrence of stroke, diabetes, and obesity.

Zyprexa and Other Treatment Uses, Off-Label Prescriptions

Originally intended to only treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorders, Zyprexa has also been prescribed for “off-label” uses as diverse as treatment for anorexia to multiple personality disorders. Unfortunately, children and adolescents displaying only minor conditions have also been prescribed Zyprexa.

Early treatments for manic depression concentrated on balancing the extremes between the moods of mania and depression, but damaged brain function in the process. Zyprexa offered a hopeful treatment regimen in light of the fact that it reduced the occurrence of many side effects of earlier drugs, such as uncontrollable spastic movements and loss of coordination. However, the increase in strokes, diabetes and obesity offset the benefits.

Because Alzheimer’s shares many of the same symptoms of schizophrenia such as dementia, hallucinations, and aggressiveness, many in the medical profession thought that atypical antipsychotics such as Zyprexa would help remedy this similar condition. Initial reports confirmed significant advances in treatment of Alzheimer’s patients. Unfortunately, due to the cardiovascular disruptions they cause, similar drugs were found to cause strokes in elderly patients.

Clinical depression is characterized by profound periods of despair accompanied by weight fluctuations, fatigue, and listlessness. Because of the increased market for antidepressants, many pharmaceutical companies make their drugs available to treat depression regardless of their original intent. Zyprexa is such a drug. It was originally developed to combat schizophrenia and bipolar disorders, but doctors have prescribed it to treat many of the symptoms of depression, such as eating disorders and mood swings. Eli Lilly & Co, Zyprexa’s developer, did not recommend such “off-label” use, but they did not recommend against it either. Doing so would obviously have reduced the annual 4.3 billion dollar revenue Zyprexa earns.

Severe Child Aggression is a form of mental illness characterized by aggressive behavior, lack of proper impulse control, and general ill temper. Children are physiologically different from adults, and medication prescribed for older patients often affects children in unexpected ways. Since Zyprexa is prescribed for adults suffering from many of the similar symptoms of aggression and anxiety, many doctors prescribe it to combat those conditions in children. Zyprexa’s manufacturer, Eli Lilly & Co, has not recommended prescribing Zyprexa for any conditions other than adult schizophrenia or bipolar disorders, but it does not prevent it either.

Zyprexa Lawyers

If you believe that you or a loved one has suffered an injury or death as a result of Zyprexa call the Zyprexa lawyers of VanDerGinst Law. P.C. at (877) 786-1LAW (877-786-1529) or submit the free online case evaluation. The initial consultation is free of charge. If we agree to handle your Zyprexa case, we will work on a contingency fee basis, which means we get paid for our services only if, and when, there is a money recovery for you. In many cases a lawsuit must be filed before an applicable expiration date, known as a statute of limitations. So please contact our Zyprexa lawyers right away to ensure that you do not waive your right to possible compensation. We can tell you if you have a case for a potential Zyprexa lawsuit.