Seroquel for bipolar?
My fellow mental-health blogger Philip Dawdy has written a great deal over the years about big pharma and the use (and misuse, primarily) of atypical antipsychotics. Now he's written about the fact that Astra Zeneca got approval to market Seroquel as a medication for bipolar disorder, and I've offered a couple comments. I'm torn about the FDA's decision, so I'm trying to puzzle out my own opinions via Furious Seasons, Dawdy's excellent blog. I think we're having a good dialogue over there, and I'd encourage you to join in.
And speaking of bad Seroquel marketing, what's up with this stupid ad? At first I thought the guy on the left was a sailor. But I guess the guy on the right is psyched that he can finally learn to bake a cake and get paid for it. The joys of meds!
Comments
It actually looks kind of gay... I thought it was a Village People joke at first.
Posted by: Ben | October 24, 2006 02:33 PM
All of the atypical antispychotics are used for controlling psychotic symptoms in bipolar disorder whether or not they have received formal FDA approval. Going for FDA approval tends to be more of a marketing decision than providing any true clinical evidence to prescribers -or patients for that matter.
The ad you posted seems to be part of drug companies recent step towards marketing where mildly "odd" pictures are being used to grab the viewers attention. Check out "theymissyou.com" to get a taste of the new marketing for Rozerem, a new sleep medication.
As for the Seroquel ad pic you posted-is it just me or are the wisk and bowl too genital-like for words?
Posted by: HS | October 24, 2006 09:16 PM
I have taken Seroquel for many years to treat my BP symptoms.
I HATE with the deepest loathing I save for very few things because that's when my hate is serious and can be taken more seriously, HATE. Seroquel.
Posted by: mcbeth | October 25, 2006 05:43 PM