Worst Pills, Best Pills

An expert, independent second opinion on more than 1,800 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements

risperidone (PERSERIS KIT, RISPERDAL, RISPERDAL CONSTA, UZEDY)


DRUG AND DIETARY SUPPLEMENT PROFILES

A comprehensive review of the safety and effectiveness of this drug. If the drug is not a Do Not Use product, information on adverse effects, drug interactions and how to use the medication are included.
Search results below include Drug and Dietary Supplement Profiles where your selected drug is a secondary subject of discussion.

ziprasidone (GEODON, ZELDOX)
  • We list this drug as a Do Not Use drug because it is no more effective than older drugs for schizophrenia and causes irregular heartbeat.

WORST PILLS, BEST PILLS NEWSLETTER ARTICLES

Search results below include Worst Pills, Best Pills Newsletter Articles where your selected drug is a secondary subject of discussion.

Lithium Treatment for Bipolar Disorder May Protect Bones from Osteoporosis
March 2023
A recently published study provided evidence that lithium treatment in persons with bipolar disorder may decrease the risk of osteoporosis.
The Antidepressant Mirtazapine Ineffective for Agitation in Dementia Patients, Study Shows
April 2022
A new well-designed study conducted by U.K. researchers found that mirtazapine is not beneficial for treating agitated behaviors in dementia patients and is potentially linked to an increased risk of death.
Clozapine for Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia: Use With Great Caution
February 2018
No other schizophrenia medicine is more dangerous than clozapine. Learn about the drug’s serious unique risks and why it should be used only by severely ill schizophrenia patients who have failed to respond adequately to other antipsychotic medications.
Inappropriate Prescribing of Atypical Antipsychotic Drugs in the Elderly: Inexcusable Deaths and Medicare Dollars Wasted
August 2011
Most prescriptions for antipsychotic drugs to people in nursing homes are inappropriate and quite dangerous. Find out what you can do to protect your family or friends.
Drug Mix-Ups
June 2011
This article lists 355 drugs with names that are often confused with similar-sounding drug names. Find out what you can do to prevent getting the wrong drug.
Drug-Induced Cognitive Impairment: Part One
March 2009
The article lists 57 different drugs that can cause dementia if used. This can be even more problematic if more than one of these drugs is being taken. These drugs are only one class of drugs that can cause mental deterioration and next month's issue will discuss additional drugs that can also impair thinking.
The Newer Atypical Antipsychotic Drug Olanzapine (ZYPREXA) Shows No Advantage Over Haloperidol (HALDOL)
May 2004
A randomized controlled clinical trial, the “gold standard” for scientific research, published in the November 26, 2003 Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) compared the newer top selling atypical antipsychotic drug olanzapine (ZYPREXA) to the much older antipsychotic agent haloperidol (HALDOL) and concluded that this trial: "...found no statistically or clinically significant advantages of olanzapine for schizophrenia on measures of compliance, symptoms, or overall quality of life, nor did it find evidence of reduced inpatient use or total cost."
Prescription Drug Ads and High Drug Prices: A Relationship?
April 2004
According to a supplement put out by Advertising Age in March entitled Fact Pack 2004 Edition, with additional information taken from Ad Age’s web site, the pharmaceutical industry continues to be quite adept at maintaining its place among the leading advertisers. Four of the top 25 U.S. advertisers, in terms of spending in this country during 2002, were drug companies. The article urges that you do not waste your time looking at or listening to prescription (or over-the-counter) drug ads.
The Serotonin Syndrome: A Potentially Life-Threatening Adverse Drug Reaction — Fluoxetine (PROZAC), Escitalopram (LEXAPRO), Sibutramine (MERIDIA) And Other Drugs
September 2003
Canadian drug regulatory authorities reviewed reported cases of serotonin syndrome in the July 2003 issue of the Canadian Adverse Reaction Newsletter. The serotonin syndrome is a potentially life-threatening adverse drug reaction involving an excess of serotonin, a naturally occurring nerve transmitter.
Oxybutynin Patches (OXYTROL): A Grossly Overpriced Product For Overactive Bladder
July 2003
You should check the list of drugs that can cause loss of bladder control before starting drug treatment for this condition. You may be able to change from a drug that causes loss of bladder control to a drug that does not or alter the dose. This may be enough to solve the problem.
Do Not Use Until December 2009 The New Antipsychotic Drug Aripiprazole (ABILIFY)
June 2003
You should follow the Health Research Group’s Seven Year Rule with aripiprazole. There is no evidence to suggest that aripiprazole is a “breakthrough” drug.