Despite their association with serious cardiac and metabolic risks, atypical antipsychotics are widely used off-label with few data to support their efficacy, according to recent studies probing use of this class of drugs in the United States. Furthermore, physicians often do not follow through on precautions to reduce these risks.
The studies provide new insights on physician prescribing behavior and the effect of warnings aimed at minimizing risks. The findings have raised new concerns about the public health impact and costs of widespread off-label antipsychotic use.