The drugs were introduced during the 1990s as a new generation of antipsychotics, and include clozapine, risperidone, olanzapine, quetiapine fumarate and ziprasidone hydrochloride. They were approved for use in psychosis and Tourettes syndrome. Cooper theorized the introduction of this new class of antipsychotic drugs was part of the reason for the increase in off-label use. The older antipsychotic drugs are well known to have potential side effects like movement disorders and other serious neurologic problems not seen in the newer class of drugs.
"The newer drugs do have their own set of potential side effects, including serious weight gain, heart rhythm problems, and diabetes," said Cooper. "These are potential side effects that are not well understood when applied to children. In fact, some preliminary studies suggest that the side effects from these medications are more common and may be more severe in children than in adults."
Cooper said there is modest evidence to support the use of this newer class of antipsychotic medications to treat severe disruptive behaviors associated with autism and mental retardation, but not for behavioral symptoms associated with ADHD and conduct disorders. He said it may be perceived that newer antipsychotic drugs are safer for children, and that the drugs can help children with aggressive behaviors.
"But those studies still need to be done. We don't know if the drugs are really safe and beneficial when used this way," Cooper said.
"We would like for physicians to think very carefully before prescribing these drugs to children," Cooper said. "And we hope this study encourages more research to find out how these drug
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2-Aug-2004