Are the Benefits Worth the Costs?

Schizophrenia suffers around the world have benefitted greatly with the discoveries of modern medicine. Certain medications have been found to regulate and balance brain chemistry giving an individual suffering from schizophrenia a seemingly normal life. If an individual is taking Zyprexa to control their schizophrenia, they should be alerted that many dangerous side effects are showing up with this drug. These Zyprexa side effects have caught the watchful eye of the FDA. In recent years the FDA asked the maker of Zyprexa to start issuing warnings about their medication. This was done in an attempt to alert all consumers of this drug to the potential dangerous Zyprexa side effects. These include but are not limited to the following: Hyperglycemia, Hyperglycemic Coma, Diabetes, Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome, and Pancreatitis.

The cases of Diabetes showing us as a Zyprexa side effect have been reported in some patients within the first six months of treatment. Hyperglycemia showing up in adolescents who take this drug has also been reported as a Zyprexa side effect. It is important that consumers are aware that blood sugar levels can spike in patients with no diabetic history. If this happens, it can possibly lead to coma. One individual, whose husband died after going into a diabetic coma, filed a lawsuit against the makers of Zyprexa. This patient died prior to the FDA requiring that these dangerous Zyprexa side effects be listed in the labeling information.

Pancreatitis as a Zyprexa side effect has been studied. Evidence points to Zyprexa, along with other anti-psychotic drugs, being the possible trigger of this condition in patients who were taking these anti-psychotic drugs. Necrotizing Pancreatitis is a condition in which the cells inside a person pancreas die. The outcome can lead to possible death.

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome is when a person becomes rigid, feverish, has abnormal blood pressure, a high heart rate, sweating and changes in their mental condition. A person experiencing these Zyprexa side effects should receive emergency medical treatment immediately. Tardive Dyskinesia is a condition in which involuntary movements can occur in any muscle group in the body, including the face. There is no treatment for tardive dyskinesia. This condition can also be a Zyprexa side effect.

No one can predict if they will be stricken with a serious Zyprexa side effect. It is important that you tell your physician about any other medication that you take, especially heart medication. You should also let the prescribing physician know if you have a history of seizures, liver, glaucoma, or bowel problems. It is important that you follow the dosing directions accurately.

If you experience any of the following Zyprexa side effects you should let your physician know:Diarrhea, dry mouth, drowsiness, headache, vomiting, upset stomach, constipation, agitation, muscle stiffness, seizures, fever, excess sweating, fast or irregular heartbeat, uncontrolled or jerking movements.

You may not experience any of these side effects while taking Zyprexa. If you do, they may be mild. However, you should always keep your physician informed of any changes you notice within yourself once you start Zyprexa, or any other medication.

Paul Forcey runs Zyprexa Side Effects.