The Neuro-Protective Lifestyle

There are just some things you can do without - and the following four prescription medications are a great example.

Zyprexa
Risperdal
Seroquel
Abilify

Classified as “atypical antipsychotics”, these drugs are intended to treat schizophrenia and serious mood disorders. “Off-label” however, they are used as chemical strait-jackets to quiet disruptive patients in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. In fact, antipsychotics are now the No. 1 class of drugs paid for by Medicaid.

While they may make the night-shift more manageable at the nursing home, multiple studies have confirmed a startling 54 percent increased risk of dying within 12 weeks of starting the medication. In other studies the risk was higher. In every case the risk was the same regardless of which atypical antipsychotic was prescribed.

In my experience, elderly patients do better with fewer medications. If an elderly patient develops behavioral changes, it may be a progression of the dementia or they may have a simple urinary tract infection or be in pain and not able to communicate it.

If you have a loved one already taking an antipsychotic medication, ask for the nursing home and the doctor’s help in establishing whether it is truly helping and not in fact harming the patient. Remind them of the potential risks involved (something they should already be familiar with) and ask them to review the patients current health status and check all medications being given for adverse effects or possible drug interactions. Alternative treatments are almost always available, so be persistent. You may save your loved one’s life.

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