August 24th, 2009 
admin 
Side Effects of Medication
Side effects of medications used to treat bipolar disorder are a huge concern for patients. Should you be worried about the drug you are taking?
My intention is not to scare anyone. I want to share information about several questionable drugs so that you can have a frank discussion with your doctor about the risks and benefits.
AstraZeneca, the makers of Seroquel, are involved in a lawsuit that is set to go to trial in October of 2009 in Missouri. It is alleged that the drug maker did not properly warn patients of its side effects, which includes:
- An increased risk for diabetes
- Weight gain
- Hyperglycemia
- Tardive dyskinesia, a movement disorder
Paxil has recently been linked to birth defects when taken during pregnancy. Heart defects in newborns were reported, in addition to breathing problems, low blood sugar, seizures, irritability and tremors.
Chantix, which is also known as Wellbutrin, has been shown to increase the risk of suicide, attempted suicide, and aggression.
Depakote has been linked to an increased risk of liver damage and pancreatitis.
Lamictal can cause a rash which can be fatal.
Trazodone has been associated with erectile dysfunction and impotence. It also increases the risk of cardiac arrhythmias in people with existing cardiac disease. The effect of trazodone during pregnancy has not been studied and therefore is not recommended during pregnancy.
Lexapro has been associated with an increased risk of suicide. It can also cause irregular heartbeat, hypertension, and varicose veins.
Lithium can lead to toxicity and requires regular blood testing. It cannot be given to patients with renal or cardiovascular disease. It has been associated with birth defects such as heart abnormalities and cleft palate when taken during pregnancy.
Clonazepam or Klonopin can aggravate depression symptoms and interfere with liver function. It also increases the risk of such birth defects as congenital malformations of the heart, and cleft lip and/or palate when taken during pregnancy.
Cymbalta can increase the risk of suicide and suicidal thoughts.
Effexor increases the risk of suicide. It is also associated with liver cell necrosis, hypertension, seizures, mania and hypomania.
Zyprexa has been associated with neuroleptic malignant syndrome, seizures, diabetes, stroke, suicide and tardive dyskinesia. Seven pregnancies were observed during clinical trials with Zyprexa: 2 resulted in normal births, 1 resulted in neonatal death due to a cardiovascular defect, 3 therapeutic abortions, and 1 spontaneous abortion (miscarriage).
Strattera has been associated with severe liver injury, liver failure, and increased heart rate.
Adderall has been associated with stroke and heart attack in adults and cardiovascular events resulting in death in children. It is also associated with symptoms of schizophrenia such as hearing voices and extreme paranoia. Adderall is an amphetamine and is a drug of choice for persons addicted to crystal methamphetamine because it produces the same type of “high”.
Ativan or Lorazepam is associated with congenital birth defects. It also has an increased risk of dependency.
Ritalin can cause a suppression of growth (height and weight) in children and chemical dependence. In children, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, weight loss during prolonged therapy, insomnia, and tachycardia may occur more frequently.
Risperdal can increase the risk of stroke in elderly patients.
Prozac has been shown to increase the risk of suicide and can cause birth defects, such as a respiratory defect called Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN) when taken during the third trimester of pregnancy.
It is important to remember that all medications used to treat bipolar disorder, ADD, ADHD, epilepsy and other seizure disorders carry some type of risk. Most doctors believe that the benefits of these medications outweigh the risk. Talk to your doctor about the potential side effects to determine if the benefits outweigh the risk.
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