Misuse and Associated Harms of XXXX and Other Atypical Antipsychotics.

@entity1 @entity162 @entity935 @entity161 @entity1089
UNASSIGNED: Recent years have seen a significant increase in the reports of atypical antipsychotic diversion, misuse and even dependency syndrome. These reports have arisen amidst a marked increase in prescribing of these agents. Much of this increase in prescribing is because of a preferential use of these medications over typical antipsychotic agents to treat @entity161 and @entity162 due to perceptions of fewer extrapyramidal side effects. However, there has also been a significant increase in the off-label prescribing of these medicines to treat less well evidence-based conditions. Misuse and abuse are perhaps surprising given the putative central role of @entity935 in addiction and that these agents are @entity935 antagonists. However, there may be other factors such as other pharmacological effects and increasing availability driving this misuse. It is also apparent that certain @entity1 groups appear to be more at risk. Here, we explore the evidence behind the misuse of atypical antipsychotics with a focus of @entity1089 . We consider the factors that may be driving this misuse, and then, we also detail some of the adverse effects that may ensue. We end by suggesting interventions at a prescriber and systems level that may be implemented to reduce the risk of atypical antipsychotic misuse.
