Page 29 - Big Pharma and the Constant Gardener

diagnosis from TIA’s to “seizures.” Zyprexa was prescribed. At no

time during these communications do I recall any indication that

Zyprexa was being used “off-label,” meaning it had not been
approved by the FDA for use with older patients affected by

dementia. It was another month of calling the physician’s office to

recount anecdotal observations and

to seek physician direction to “adjust
for the right dosage.” It was then

agreed that this powerful drug was

impeding Dad’s quality of life. That

is to say nothing of his dignity. But
without our diligence, the adverse

effects of these combinations would

easily have been perceived as the
progression of his diagnosis.

At this point, feeling very protective

of my father, the strong farmer with
an uncommon amount of common sense, whose role it was at one

time to protect me, he continued to be under physician care. All

meds except for his blood pressure medication were discontinued.
What we found when we made this change was remarkable.

Dad was much more himself again. For the first time in several