Abstract
“Off-label” prescribing of psychoactive drugs for indications other than those approved by the FDA is a common practice among psychiatrists as well as general practitioners. A major off-label use is the prescription of sedating antidepressants for sedative-hypnotic purposes. This practice is examined, and the major categories of antidepressant, anxiolytic, and hypnotic medications are explored, based on their FDA-approved indications as well as common usage. The implications for physician and hospital liability for this practice are reviewed. The off-label usage of antidepressants for the treatment of non-depressed alcoholics is also reviewed, and on-line research tools for attorneys to obtain updated information in this area are evaluated.
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