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ohmeowzer Asked April 2016

Does anyone know any sleep medications that are safe for Alzheimer's?

Mom is not sleeping at night and has Alzheimer's. She talks to people she talks to her stuff cats and people who rang there. Then she yells my name waking me up about 0230. I'm a RN work long hours and sick myself. I never get much sleep. She has restotil for sleep . But that is worthless. I am exhausted and don't feel well at all. I have no family to help me . Thank,you

pamstegma Apr 2016
freqflyer, antihistamines can be a problem in some patients. If the patient already has depleted acetylcholine levels, giving an anti-cholinergic antihistamine makes it all worse. So if the patient has a confirmed diagnosis of Alzheimers, avoid the over the counter sleep aids and call the MD. The doctor may lean towards a small dose of dopamine enhancer instead.

cwillie Apr 2016
You could give melatonin a try.

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freqflyer Apr 2016
For myself if I can't sleep I take a low dose antihistamine, the drowsy type, and that usually helps.... but one has to make sure it doesn't interfere with other prescription and over-the-counter meds.

ohmeowzer Apr 2016
Thank you all for your comments ! I love this site 👍🌹

ohmeowzer Apr 2016
She has a caregiver luckily we have a appt with the neurologist Tomorrow

Sunnygirl1 Apr 2016
I'd discuss it with her doctor. They are a number of meds to help with sleep. Sleep disorders are common in people with dementia. My cousin took Seroquel for awhile. It's a case by case thing. Oh, I wouldn't leave her alone the next day according to what you describe.

snowquail Apr 2016
Sleep? Oh yes. My mother sleeps the night and is groggy all the next day on the lowest dose of Nemenda. We have had to decrease the amount to 1/4. It comes in liquid form too (she doesn't like to take pills). But it has side effects like weaking of the legs. I am searching for alternatives. So far choline is helping.

Marialake Apr 2016
My mother won't sleep for days. Usually after being awake for three straight nights, she will sleep for one night. Then the pattern starts again. I don't get sleep either. It's awful. Meds make her even more restless or agitated or zombie-like but still awake. She never stops moving :(

Mulata88 Apr 2016
My Mom, almost 91 is the happiest HAPPIEST calmest when I play a radio station here locally... hmmm.... they may be on the web !!! I will find out. THe thing is, mom knows all the songs and LOVES music, and have found, like Pam said, it is soothing to her. SHe either sings along, hums along, or something.
Something she knows and remembers, should be comforting.

You, as an RN have lots of connections with the medical field, other RN's and MD's.
Ask them about a better sleep medicine, and have her MD prescribe it, if you don't want to take her to an appointment.
M88

pamstegma Apr 2016
Soft music? Some soothing music from her era might help.

ohmeowzer Apr 2016
Ugh sorry spell check ...people who are not there ... I'm sorry for any typos

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