Unsafe Drugs: No Evidence to Support Off-Label Users of Atypical Antipsychotics

Some antipsychotic medications approved for the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are being prescribed to millions of American for depression, dementia, and other psychiatric disorders even though there is no evidence that such off-label treatment is effective. A new study by HHS's Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality compared the effectiveness of atypical antipsychotics with more tradition treatments and found an "urgent need" for more research into new treatments for dementia patients who have severe agitation.

No Evidence To Support Many Off-label Uses Of Atypical Antipsychotics

Atypical antipsychotics are second-generation medicines intended to cause fewer neurological complications than conventional antipsychotics. They include Abilify, Zyprexa, Seroquel, Risperdal, and Geodon. Review authors say that the potential benefits and risks of the medications found strong evidence that atypical antipsychotics can increase chances of adverse effects. Some of the drugs increase risk of strokes, tremors, weight gain, sedation, and gastrointestinal problems. "This report emphasizes the importance of understanding the risks and benefits of different medicines," said AHRQ Director Carolyn M. Clancy, M.D. "Caution is necessary in the off-label use of atypical antipsychotics, especially when used in the elderly and when the evidence for effectiveness is not good.''