I was recently perusing the internet visiting parent sites, you know, because I want some information on how to be a better parent and help my kids be well. So, while I'm on these parent sites, I see drug ads. And I'm always interested in those drug ads - you know the ones that look like they have a really good web designer and have a really pretty website. Well, I came across Abilify (R) - I wonder how they come up with these names (Intuitiv, Abilify...) - they really sound like they make your life better. [blog post =-removing a symptom versus making life better]
Anyways, of course I'm looking over the fine print (because I haven't written in a while and I need some good material) and oh my goodness, I didn't need to read very far until they were talking about death and stroke and diabetes, wow! I was amazed at how many contraindications there were and how many side-effects beyond the minorly annoying ones like death and stroke.
Now keep in mind that depression is a serious issue, however treatment with drugs that produce a
worse state than the actual "condition" scare me, especially when they're advertised!!! I mean, it's ok that such drugs exist, but they shouldn't be TELLING people about them!
So, here's the kicker, look at this statement:
Elderly people with psychosis related to dementia (for example, an inability to perform daily activities as a result of increased memory loss), treated with antipsychotic medicines including ABILIFY, are at an increased risk of death compared to placebo. ABILIFY is not approved for the treatment of people with dementia-related psychosis (see Boxed WARNING).
What does this statement mean?
It means that people actually DIED during the testing of this drug due solely to taking the drug!!!
And it got approved!!!!
How can we call this approach sane?
Now put that together with this statement:
If you have diabetes, or risk factors for diabetes (for example, obesity, family history of diabetes), or unexpected increases in thirst, urination, or hunger, your blood sugar should be monitored. Increases in blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia), in some cases serious and associated with coma or death, have been reported in patients taking ABILIFY and medicines like it
What are the major contributors to depression?
That's right, lack of proper body movement (exercise) and eating horrible diets.
What are the major contributors to diabetes?
That's right, lack of proper body movement (exercise) and eating horrible diets. So, if elderly people (a risk factor in and of itself for diabetes) have depression due to lack of exercise and are eating bad diets, then there isn't any time that this medication COULD be prescribed for these people
without increasing the blood sugar levels and "in some cases...coma or death".
Did you get that? The warning might as well simply read:
Do not take this drug
The logic behind approving and using these drugs really does scare me.
I would NEVER knowingly allow my parents or anyone I love to fill one of these prescriptions without me getting in their face about it. I would go over there myself and pull them around the block, I'd rather force feed them vegetables than allow them to get onto something that I KNOW will make them worse and could kill them! I'm not saying there is never a time for this drug, but I am saying that there is never a time for this drug in place of walking every day and eating really good, wholesome food!!!!!
Phew, that was intense! When you're ready to move beyond drugs and discover super simple, easy ways to get and stay the healthiest you've ever been in your life, seek out a wellness care provider. They'll show you how to do it right - because your children need you to stick around for a few more years, and it wouldn't hurt to be healthy.
If you want some light reading, go ahead and peruse the fine print below:
Elderly people with psychosis related to dementia (for example, an inability to perform daily activities as a result of increased memory loss), treated with antipsychotic medicines including ABILIFY, are at an increased risk of death compared to placebo. ABILIFY is not approved for the treatment of people with dementia-related psychosis (see Boxed WARNING).
Antidepressants may increase suicidal thoughts or behaviors in some children, teenagers, and young adults, especially within the first few months of treatment or when the dose is changed. Depression and other serious mental illnesses are themselves associated with an increase in the risk of suicide. Patients on antidepressants and their families or caregivers should watch for new or worsening depression symptoms, unusual changes in behavior, or thoughts of suicide. Such symptoms should be reported to the patient’s healthcare professional right away, especially if they are severe or occur suddenly. ABILIFY is not approved for use in pediatric patients with depression (see Boxed WARNING).
Contraindication: Patients should not use ABILIFY if they are allergic to aripiprazole or any of the ingredients in ABILIFY. Allergic reactions have ranged from rash, hives, and itching to anaphylaxis, which may include difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue.
Serious side effects may include:
- An increased risk of stroke and ministroke have been reported in clinical studies of elderly people with dementia-related psychosis
- Very high fever, rigid muscles, shaking, confusion, sweating, or increased heart rate and blood pressure. These may be signs of a condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), a rare but serious side effect which could be fatal
- Abnormal or uncontrollable movements of face, tongue, or other parts of body. These may be signs of a serious condition called tardive dyskinesia (TD), which could become permanent
- If you have diabetes, or risk factors for diabetes (for example, obesity, family history of diabetes), or unexpected increases in thirst, urination, or hunger, your blood sugar should be monitored. Increases in blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia), in some cases serious and associated with coma or death, have been reported in patients taking ABILIFY and medicines like it
Lightheadedness or faintness caused by a sudden change in heart rate and blood pressure when rising quickly from a sitting or lying position (orthostatic hypotension) has been reported with ABILIFY.
Decreases in white blood cells (infection fighting cells) have been reported in some patients taking antipsychotic agents, including ABILIFY. Patients with a history of a significant decrease in white blood cell (WBC) count or who have experienced a low WBC count due to drug therapy should have their blood tested and monitored during the first few months of therapy.
ABILIFY and medicines like it can affect your judgment, thinking, or motor skills. You should not drive or operate hazardous machinery until you know how ABILIFY affects you.
Medicines like ABILIFY can impact your body’s ability to reduce body temperature; you should avoid overheating and dehydration.
ABILIFY and medicines like it have been associated with swallowing problems (dysphagia). If you had or have swallowing problems, you should tell your healthcare professional.
Tell your healthcare professional if you have a history of, or are at risk for seizures, or are pregnant or intend to become pregnant, and about all prescription and non-prescription medicines you are taking or plan to take, since there are some risks for drug interactions.
While taking ABILIFY, avoid:
- Drinking alcohol
- Breast-feeding an infant
Most common side effects (≥10%) from all clinical trials involving adults include:
- ADULTS: Nausea, vomiting, constipation, headache, dizziness, an inner sense of restlessness or need to move (akathisia), anxiety, insomnia, and restlessness
It is important to contact your healthcare professional if you experience prolonged, abnormal muscle spasms or contractions which may be signs of a condition called dystonia.
For patients who must limit their sugar intake, ABILIFY Oral Solution contains sugar.
For patients with phenylketonuria or
PKU, ABILIFY DISCMELT
® (aripiprazole) contains phenylalanine.
If you have any questions about your health or medicines, talk to your healthcare professional.
INDICATION: ABILIFY is a prescription medication indicated for:
- Use as an add-on treatment to an antidepressant for adults with Major Depressive Disorder who have had an inadequate response to antidepressant therapy
