Off-label prescribing, or the practice of giving patients medications not specifically labeled for their disease, is a common, but little-studied method of treatment by many doctors. According to a MedicalNews Today story, “Evidence Lacking to Support Many Off-Label Uses of Atypical Antipsychotics,” this practice might soon be under scrutiny by researchers.
Specifically, the antiphsychotic medication risperidone has found its way into the spotlight. Risperidone is marketed for use with patients suffering from schizophrenia and bi-polar disorders, as well as irritability in autistic children. Many doctors also use it, off-label, to treat other psychiatric disorders like depression and dementia.
HHS’ Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality has put out a new report saying that this might not be a good idea, as there is no evidence that risperidone is effectively treating the other diseases it is being used for, and the health risks might outweigh any potential benefits. HHS is also calling for urgent research into new, disease-specific treatment alternatives for patients displaying severe agitation with dementia.
In the article, AHRQ Director Carolyn M. Clancy, M.D., said “This report emphasizes the importance of understanding the risks and benefits of different medicines,” and called for the use of caution when prescribing medicines like risperadone to dementia patients.
Many doctors believe that risperadone helps patients suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, and sleep problems associated with some forms of dementia, but researchers don’t believe this treatment to be effective. Risperadone can increase the patient’s chance of have a stroke, experiencing tremors, and gaining significant weight, among others, and without further study, benefits just don’t seem to outweigh the risks.
To read the full report, go to http://www.effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov.
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