"In a new report, it seems that antipsychotic drugs are far too often prescribed, particularly to elder dementia patients (ie Alzheimer’s disease) in nursing homes.
Republican Senator Susan Collins, of Maine, is the chairwoman for the Senate Special Committee on Aging. She says, “The report raises many red flags concerning the potential misuse and excessive use of antipsychotic drugs for patients with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.”
Federal investigators comment that Medicare officials need to take immediate action in order to reduce not only the prevalence of these issues but also the ignorance of them....
Nursing home trade group, The American Health Care Association also comment that antipsychotic drugs do have some benefit for some patients with dementia. Those who suffer hallucinations or delusions, for example, could find great relief, but it is important to monitor use to make sure that they are not overprescribed and not used inappropriately.
The AHCA comments, “Antipsychotic drugs are expensive, costing hundreds of millions of Medicare dollars. They also increase the risk of death, falls with fractures, hospitalizations and other complications.”
The study indicates that several antipsychotic medications may be overprescribed—not just one or two in particular. This could include: Risperdal, Clozapine, Zyprexa, and Abilify." as reported at Pioneer News
Full Article & Source:
Medical Report Suggests Antipsychotics Too Often Overprescribed to Elderly Dementia Patients
Can someone tell me why the doctors who prescribe (and overprescribe) these drugs aren't held accountable?
ReplyDeleteDoctors are protected, like judges and lawyers, Stand
ReplyDeleteIf they were criminally charged, we'd see an immediate reduction of this.
Big pharma protects them.
ReplyDelete