Mom has spinal stenosis and neurological problems. She is also depressed and has some anxiety. For that, she is taking Xanax as needed and it helps. She cannot take antidepressants because of the side effects and has pretty much failed on them. We find that sometimes throughout the week she 'tanks' and we find her in a trance-like state and very down. No doctor seems to know what this is, but I'm wondering if any of you have experienced this. She feels general weakness and very down physically. She is doing PT and OT but it seems like all this is just end of life stuff that we will help her manage through. She is 86. Has anyone experienced this?
Also, is she administering the Xanax to herself? If so, it is not out of the realm of possibility that she isn't taking it properly... maybe forgetting and taking too much?
Can you elaborate about what kind of neuor problems she's having? At 86, she certainly could start to have memory issues and the beginnings of cognitive decline. I would make sure a reliable person is giving her the meds to see if this relieves the trance symptom. If you are going by asking her, I wouldn't rely on this... have someone else give her the meds if this isn't already happening. At her age she won't recoup as quickly, and may not come back to her pre-incident level of abilities. You both will need patience and tempered expectations. I hope you find the source of her problem and can figure out a solution!
Alprazolam may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
drowsiness
light-headedness
headache
tiredness
dizziness
irritability
talkativeness
difficulty concentrating
dry mouth
increased salivation
changes in sex drive or ability
nausea
constipation
changes in appetite
weight changes
difficulty urinating
joint pain
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms or those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:
shortness of breath
seizures
severe skin rash
yellowing of the skin or eyes
confusion
problems with speech
problems with coordination or balance
My mother had good luck w Wellbutrin after being unable to tolerate most other meds in general. Maybe mom's PCP can work with you to try some different meds to help her?
Also, spinal stenosis can cause weak muscles and neurological issues in the hands, feet and legs when nerves are compressed. The numbness or what mom called dead feet caused her such issues for decades.
If she has good bloodwork numbers, mom may not be at the end of her life stage right now. My mom lived with severe neuropathy in her feet and legs, and CHF till she was 95. Wheelchair bound and DEFINITELY full of angst over the dementia, neuropathy pain and the rest of it. If you think your mom is approaching eol, look into a hospice evaluation. They do a good job keeping the elders comfy.
Best of luck to you.