Antipsychotic Drug Use in Women Rises

More than a quarter of women took antipsychotic drugs to treat anxiety, depression, or attention deficit disorder in 2010 — an increase over their usage in the past decade and a higher rate than seen among men.

Researchers at Medco analyzed more than two million pharmacy records of patients and found that 26 percent of women took antipsychotic drugs in 2010, which is an increase from 22 percent in 2001. Only 15 percent of men were prescribed these drugs in 2010, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Dr. David Muzina, a national practice leader at Medco’s Neuroscience Theraputic Center, says one reason for the discrepancy of antipsychotic drug use among genders might be that women are more likely to seek out-patient treatment for mental health problems than men. He also notes that some major drugs - such as Prozac and Celexa - are now available in more affordable, generic versions.

If you or a loved one has been harmed by an antipsychotic drug or another dangerous drug, contact Sokolove Law for a free legal consultation and to find out if a dangerous drug lawyer may be able to help you.