RE: Daily Dose - Flashback to the future of drug trial oversight

[Guest guest]

I recall having worked in a few large institutions which were under State

regulation and funding back in the 80s and 90 s. When “new meds” were

advertised, one usually saw bunches of folks, at once, prescribed the “new

med” ( and one still does…) These were mentally ill or mentally retarded

folk who had nothing to say about treatment. Folks in nursing homes are also

used to market and target new medications

I recall most clearly the early trials with several- topamax, clozaril, and

others- with disabled folks at a Sate School, and at a community center.

Although some was published about clozaril and deaths caused by

agranulocitosis, my recollection of the horrors of topamax is still clearer

and more vivid. Folks who were stable, all of the sudden began having

seizures, not eating, loosing weight, basically not doing well. The idea

that these untoward symptoms might be caused by the “new medicine” was

ignored, and the allegation was regarded as ignorance.

After a few years of observation some things are clear as day: medicines

aren’t always beneficial: some are dangerous- irregardless of the FDAs

approval; many doctors simply push drugs for big pharmaceutical companies-

its about money; pharmaceutical companies make billions and they are all

about making more billions- not about health or healing.

Just because it comes in a fancy little package doesn’t mean it should be

ingested.

Michael