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Fatal Heart Risk Linked to Seroquel, Risperdal and Zyprexa

By Kate, Editor Thursday, January 15, 2009
According to an article in today's Los Angeles Times, a widely used class of antipsychotic drugs (including bestsellers Zyprexa, Risperdal and Seroquel) is just as likely to cause a fatal heart attack as older antipsychotic drugs like haloperidol. The drugs are approved for treatment of schizophreni...
Christina Bruni, Health Guide
1/16/09 10:15am

Hi Kate,

 

The benefits outweigh the risks.

 

I would rather be able to achieve my goals than unable to function in the world, so, yes, I take the Geodon every day as prescribed.  I expect to live a long life.  My grandmother lived to be 91.

 

Besides, when a person finds the right medication to treat the SZ, it's possible she'll remain symptom-free.  As a result, the choice is clear.

 

Best regards,

Christina

1/16/09 6:21pm

I read the same story and I too had the same question that you did. But after reading Christina's reply then I came to the same conclusion she did. I have been taking 600 milligrams of Seroquel for around 2.5 years and feel I am the most stable I have been in years. For me Seroquel is working wonders. I may bring up the study when I see my psychiatrist in March but I feel that I also am the healthiest I have been in years. In a little over 2.5 years I have brought my weight down from 200 pounds to 140 and also like Christina's grandmother my parents are living and are now 84 and 80 years old. At first the study had me somewhat concerned but then I came to realize almost all drugs have some sort of side effects and yes this one is serious but I do have confidence in my psychiatrist and feel if I start to have any health issues we will work together as a team to come up with the right medication and proper dosage.

1/17/09 10:00am

Hello. I think pharmaceutical companies should create a substitute for these drugs, the risk are too deadly. If I had a friend on one of these drugs, I would encourage them to switch, there are other drugs out there. Moreover, I used to be on Zyprexa, but switched medications because it gave me restless legs. Now I am on Abilify.

 

Ashley

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By Kate, Editor— Last Modified: 12/19/10, First Published: 01/15/09