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Zyprexa and Alzheimer's

Doctors and other experts have long discussed the link between Zyprexa and Alzheimer's. In order to better understand Zyprexa and Alzheimer's, it is helpful to look at the risks and benefits associated with Zyprexa and the condition of Alzheimer's. The most serious risk that has been discovered regarding Zyprexa and Alzheimer's is that this medication can increase and Alzheimer patient's risk of stoke and death.

Zyprexa is a medication produced by Eli Lilly, who enjoys annual sales revenue for this prescription medication totaling more than 2.6 billion dollars. Zyprexa is an atypical antidepressant that was approved by the FDA in 1996 to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Zyprexa and Alzheimer's has not been officially evaluated by the FDA, and therefore the FDA has not approved Zyprexa to treat Alzheimer's and other types of dementia

Although Zyprexa and Alzheimer's are not officially condoned by the FDA, doctors will often prescribe drugs for off-label uses. Eli Lilly estimates that approximately six percent of all Zyprexa sales are for Alzheimer's patients. In May 2004, a Risperdal, Zyprexa and Alzheimer's study showed that Zyprexa was slightly more effective in treating Alzheimer's compared to Risperdal (another atypical antipsychotic). The research also indicated that both of these drugs were only marginally more effective in treating Alzheimer's symptoms compared to a placebo.

There have been growing concerns regarding Zyprexa and Alzheimer's as studies are revealing the serious side effects of Zyprexa use. In 2004 the FDA ordered Eli Lilly to add a strong warning to their labeling. This mandate followed a Duke University study that found nearly 300 Zyprexa users who had developed treatment emergent diabetes while taking Zyprexa. At this time Eli Lilly also issued a warning about the serious risk of death and stroke associated with Zyprexa and Alzheimer's. The British government has stated that Zyprexa should not be used to treat Alzheimer's and similar dementia conditions because of the serious potential risks.

The point of contention in the Zyprexa and Alzheimer's debate rests on whether the benefits of Zyprexa treatment outweigh the serious risk of side effects. At least 4.5 million people in the US have Alzheimer's, a debilitating and progressive disease with few successful treatment options. Alzheimer's symptoms may include slow erosion of cognitive functioning, paranoia, anxiety, aggression, violent outbursts, mood swings, hallucinations, wandering, and insomnia. Traditional treatments for Alzheimer's have included older antipsychotic drugs. These drugs have an extremely high (60 to 90 percent) rate of causing serious side effects when used as a long term treatment for Alzheimer's. Zyprexa and Alzheimer's have a much lower rate of serious side effects, though the risks are formidable.

If you wish to learn more about Zyprexa and Alzheimer's, you may want to contact a medical professional who can address your concerns in detail.

If you have suffered because of Zyprexa and Alzheimer's, please contact us to speak with a qualified lawyer.

More Zyprexa News:

January 17, 2007 - Zyprexa Lawsuit Filed Over Fatal Pancreatitis

December 18, 2006 - New Report Finds Eli Lilly Plays Down Zyprexa Risks

October 10, 2006 - Zyprexa Lawsuits Continue To Grow

August 11, 2006 - Zyprexa Victims To Receive Payout

July 31, 2006 - Mississippi Attorney General Sues Over Zyprexa

January 10, 2006 - Class action suit filed over Zyprexa

April 12, 2005 - Elderly patients warned of Zyprexa risks

April 11, 2005 - Zyprexa warning issued

February 9, 2005 - Zyprexa, Zyrtec prescription mix-ups result in hospitalizations

February 5, 2005 - Zyprexa lawsuit on behalf of Canadians filed

October 25, 2004 - Antipsychotics linked to serious adulthood diseases

May 21, 2004 - Nationwide Zyprexa class action lawsuit filed

More Zyprexa Resources:

Zyprexa Side Effects Lawyer - Provides details on the Zyprexa bipolar-disorder drug and its side effects, including withdrawal information. Contact an attorney for a consultation.

Zyprexa - Includes information for patients with schizophrenia.

Contact a Zyprexa Recall Lawyer

More Zyprexa Resources