Psychiatric Drugs Overused In Nursing Homes - Authorities Concerned

According to government inspectors from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), strong psychiatric medications are often prescribed to individuals with dementia in nursing homes, but for off-label reasons. In addition, families of dementia patients in nursing homes should be vigilant about the care they receive. Drugs, such as Zyprexa and Seroquel, designed to treat individuals with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, are being used to sedate residents with dementia.

. Chicago personal injury attorney Robert Briskman, Esq explained:

  “These medicines can cause serious injuries and deaths when improperly used. In fact, the Food and Drug Administration has sent out multiple warnings advising nursing homes to stop this practice.”

Medicare should penalize nursing homes that prescribe these medications inappropriately, according to a recommendation from the HHS to the Senate Committee on Aging. The penalties under consideration vary from barring nursing homes to fines. 14% of all individuals in nursing homes were prescribed antipsychotics in just 6 months.

Briskman said:

Written by Grace Rattue