Furious Seasons

June 10, 2009

FDA Panel Recommends Approval Of Antipsychotics For Kids Aged 10, Older

I knew this was going to happen: news is just out that the FDA's psychopharmacology advisory committee today voted to recommend that the FDA approve three atypical antipsychotics for use in treating teens aged 13 to 17 with schizophrenia and in kids aged 10 to 17 for alleged pediatric bipolar disorder. The drugs in question are Zyprexa, Seroquel and Geodon. These drugs have already generated huge problems in adults--diabetes, heart attacks, rapid weight gain--and bear black box warnings about sudden death in elderly patients. Off-label use of these drugs in kids has also lead to the same kinds of problems.

Panel members did express concerns about long-term use of the drugs due to their side effects:

"'I'm concerned about the lack of true long-term studies' especially in younger patients 'who will have a long lifetime, hopefully,' said panel member Ruth Day, a researcher at Duke University."

The FDA is not bound by the recommendation and will now ponder whether to approve the drugs.

Posted by Philip Dawdy at June 10, 2009 02:24 PM

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Comments

That is truly tragic -- and criminal really. I'm so disappointed and the news has struck me dumb for the moment.

Posted by: Sara at June 10, 2009 03:45 PM

http://bipolarsoupkitchen-stephany.blogspot.com/2009/06/furious-seasons-fda-panel-recommends.html

Photos of my daughter age 11 before Zyprexa and 2 years later with 100lbs on her petite 5ft. 3" body.

The FDA is worthless!!!!

Posted by: Stephany at June 10, 2009 04:41 PM

This is beyond sad.

Posted by: Amy Philo at June 10, 2009 07:59 PM

Once again I want to remember FDA that it regulates the market of drugs at many countries.
I other words:
FDA is helping DRUG CHILDREN AROUND THE WORLD!

"That is truly tragic -- and criminal really. I'm so disappointed and the news has struck me dumb for the moment. "
Posted by Sara at June 10, 2009 03:45 PM
Sara, an American citizen said this and I only don't say the "c" work here because I'm not American and I consider myself in American soil here.
However in my country I say that FDA is helping drug and kill people.
Hope I made myself clear.

Posted by: Ana at June 11, 2009 01:09 AM