Newer Antipsychotics Pose Cardiac Risk: Study

I know that the drug industry is one that people love to hate. Every day there is another report about another drug with some increased risks associated with it. My 14 year old granddaughter is on Seroquel and Abilify for Bipolar I. Unless you have lived with someone with untreated bipolar disease, I would suggest that your refrain from judging the efficacy of these drugs. My granddaughter was depressed and suicidal, was manic (manifested by rages)and constantly cycled between the depression and anger. She could not learn, could not sleep, saw people who were not there, had high anxiety about going into a store by herself, had few friends and resisted going to school. We finally found a pediatric psychiatrist who properly diagnosed her. Finally, she is part of the world around her. She sleeps at night, is social, participates in class, does her homework without fighting, does not have a rages, is finally learning.

Are there side effects - yes. It took awhile for the medications to work and yes she has gained weight. The alternative to the use of these drugs was the eventual destruction (most likely through suicide) of this beautiful young girl who is multitalented and has never been able to live a normal life until recently. Her moods are now stable. She can sleep at night (try fourteen years of hallucinations and see how well you sleep) She pays attention in class and can learn. There is still a long road of ups and down ahead but we are making progress.

We often discuss the outcomes of certain activities as "what would have happened before Dr...." She doesn't understand why this has happened to her and neither do I. We would not have chosen to take these medications if it did not mean a CHANCE at a normal life for her. We are willing to take the risks with the side effects in order for that opportunity. For that I thank the pharmaceutical industry.

Grandmother of MO 11:42AM January 15, 2009