Blumenthal speaks about CT drug abuse

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) -- There are new concerns about doctors over-prescribing medications. It's troubling mental health experts and a senator from Connecticut.

Those who have loved ones suffering from dementia and Alzheimer's know that caring for them properly can be a challenge.

However, there is a warning out.

Mental Health Advocates say some patients are being over-prescribed anti-psychotic drugs. The medications are intended to treat severe mental illnesses like schizophrenia.

And doctors say they are often used in nursing homes, to pacify patients who are not suffering from any kind of psychosis.

Tuesday at the Capitol in Hartford, Senator Richard Blumenthal joined health care officials to speak out about this practice.

"Use of these drugs is off-label, which means it has not been approved as safe and effective by the FDA and the use of these drugs, not only has serious side effects endangering patients but it also is costly to taxpayers," said Sen. Blumenthal.

Sen. Blumenthal is also pushing for a bipartisan law that would stop abusive prescribing of anti-psychotic drugs for dementia patients.

The proposed federal law would develop standards for obtaining permission from loved ones, and prescriber education on the use of drugs in dementia-related cases.