“The prescribing of antipsychotic medications persists at high levels in U.S. nursing homes despite extensive data demonstrating marginal clinical benefits and serious adverse effects, including death…”
The above quote by Becky A. Briesacher, PhD was included in a recent research letter published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Dr. Briesacher and her colleagues found that 1 in 5 of nursing home residents are given antipsychotic medications and that, generally, those prescriptions are written off label. The majority of the prescriptions were for an atypical class of antipsychotics that are primarily used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Yet, the majority of nursing home patients for whom prescriptions were written did not have either of those conditions. Instead, they had dementia.
What This Means to You
It is important to stay on top of the prescription drugs that your loved one is taking and to ask questions about any antipsychotic, or other drug, about which you have concerns. If the doctor is using the antipsychotic drug to control your loved one’s behavior, and not for a medical reason, then it is important to ask if safer alternatives are available and to seek a second opinion, if necessary.
Has Your Loved One Been Injured in a Nursing Home?
If you believe your loved one is being subjected to nursing home abuse you need to speak with an experienced Kentucky nursing home neglect attorney as soon as possible. Contact us online or call our office directly at 888.450.4456 to schedule a free consultation.