Can someone please help. My mother had a heart attack 5 years ago and underwent quadruple bypass only to have a massive stroke even before she came out of anesthesia. Long story short she had a long road back but was able to feed herself, talk,and her mind was very sharp. She was cared for at home by her children, the last five years. We found she had passed away in her sleep when my brother went to check on her Thanksgiving morning with no earlier problems the night before. Now the BIG problem. Her doctor had put her on Zyprexa Zydis about a year ago maybe more and we were told it was an antidepressant and it would also help her sleep nights. Now this last week I hear about a lawsuit for this drug and not using it for people with dementia, previous heart attacks, stroke, and diabetes as will double the risk of a heart attack, my mother fit all four catergories. Well my mothers death certificate reads ,Presumed Heart Attack, by the same Dr. that prescribed the drug. I am overwhelmed with guilt and furious with the Dr.. Am I overeacting or does this seem as though he screwed up. Where do I go from here?

Hello, Les, I really haven't followed that particular suit. I am certain that you and your siblings should not feel quilty for having your mother follow her dr's advice. I also know that while many of these suits are well founded, others are frivilous. The drs use the info given by the drug companies approved by the FDA.

We have all had some sort of trouble with the meds prescribed to our elders, and are always looking for more information. I did a quick look and did not find articles about the law suit, but there were warnings about the problems you mentioned.

Still I am not ready to tell you anything about your anger. Most of us go through a phase of anger. How old was your mother? It is not uncommon to prescribe anti depressants for our elders. For some, life would be a living hell without the relief they provide. Many of us who have seen death by other means are not too upset when we hear of someone dying in their sleep, but the timing, Thanksgiving day, really does make it harder.

I am sorry for the loss of your mother. I don't really know if you are over reacting or not. Someone else may know more about this.

Welcome to ECO, I hope we can help you find some resolution here. One thing I have learned is that whether it is a medical error or cancer or whatever, we can't keep them, except in our hearts. It seems that you and your siblings gave her a lot of love and care. I am pleased to meet you.

Here is the Official Zyprexa site...
http://www.zyprexa.com/index.jsp

...and some information about the lawsuit Eli Lilly settled...
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28677805/from/ET/

... and a site for zyprexa victims...
http://www.zyprexa-victims.com/
There is a link there where you can report a case to the FDA... Not sure if it is too late to join class action since the lawsuit has already been settled...

So sorry for your loss... my mom passed just before Thanksgiving. While she wasn't on any meds, I certainly have experienced my share of anger over lots of aspects of her care, etc. I don't know whether the zyprexa contributed to your mom's death or not, but I sure do understand how wondering doesn't help the anger that goes hand-in-hand with losing a loved one.

Good luck and I hope you find some answers that will bring you comfort.

Les B welcome in I am so very sorry for your loss.
If this is a Class action lawsuit then contact them they will take down your info and send you out the necessary paperwork.
What did the Coroners report state? Thats what Id be asking for I dont care what the Doctor thought its important what the Coroner found if in fact she had an autopsy.
What are you feeling guilty about is the question.
You have nothing to do with her death you couldnt have stopped it from happening her heart was already affected by a prior episode as well as her brain from the stroke.
As BC said we all go through an anger stage, its part of the process but will this lawsuit bring your dear mom back?
No.
All drugs have side effects some worse than others but the question is did it do its job?
In my experience a person who has had a massive stroke is likely to have another episode somewhere at the 5 year mark. I dont know its something I watched many years ago and I kind of paid attention after that. My FIL had a massive stroke in 1992 was hospitalized I helped to rehabilitate him he lost speech movement thought process was bad but he made a pretty good recovery. Then in 97 he passed from another.
Coincidence or ??? Who knows.
The point...when its time, its time.
I think maybe Id be real grateful for the time I had with her and the fact she passed peacefully in her sleep.
The lawsuit is only going to foster more hurt at having to relive it all over again.
Be kind to yourself sweetie losing a mom is hard enough without having to dredge it up all over again by a person who really just wants to make another buck.

Les B, YOU CANNOT FEEL GUILTY ABOUT THIS.We are only as good as the information made available to us by the companies.
I have discovered that the paxil I took for so long was lacking in a key ingredient.The company that made the meds never told anyone , even though they knew.
The lack of this ingredient caused set backs to many .I may have been one of those but unable to say for sure.
With all the hype given to the various meds you would think they were gods gift to all.
But , in the end, it is all about the balance sheet of these companies.These companies need to be held more accountable.Wonder if they ever come in contact with the person who experienced the severe affects of their meds.Too many times, we the people are their guinnea pigs.