Initially I noticed a change in her balance and she complained of being dizzy. I told her about the new drug and that it may take about a week to level off in her system. Last evening she called from her residential assisted living home to tell me “that she was at work, was going to play a game and then she would be home.” She just wanted to let me know “so I wouldn’t worry.” I asked her how she was getting home and she said Kristen (her aide) would take her. She sounded happy and upbeat (a 180 from an earlier conversation). The first thing my husband said to me after hearing the conversation (I had it on speaker) was, I guess you need to decide if you want “nasty mom” or “happy mom”. The more I think about that the more I’m leaning toward happy mom. I guess I’m torn because I know it’s probably the side effect of the drug, not to mention the literature states it shouldn’t be given to dementia patients, yet I hear of so many who are on it including some in this forum. Does anyone have any experience with this drug and LO with dementia?
It can be confusing. My mom was given Seroquel. The packaging says it is a drug given to patients with schizophrenia. My mom had Parkinson’s disease and slight dementia. So many drugs are ‘multipurpose’ drugs.
My other suggestion is to speak to a pharmacist. I can’t tell you how many times I received wonderful information about meds from my pharmacist. They have a plethora of information when it comes to drugs. They will usually explain things better than doctors do.
My mother’s experience was somewhat similar when she was given xanax. She was so hard wired for anxiety that even when she was no longer able to communicate she’d shove her wheel chair into walls, apparently from frustration.
Then when given the Xanax she’d sleep for 32 hours.
There was no question that she HAD to have the Xanax, and she was always given the minimum dose. I’d have preferred that the pill could have been split, but was told it couldn’t be.
What particular side effect(s) concerned you most? Overall, safety and comfort are the foremost goals. If she’s been distressed, nasty, and crying I think the medication probably warrants at least a trial if you’re seeing advantages for her.
Tough call, but your reasoning sounds both informed and compassionate.
My Mom always saw a little girl. The little girl would run away when I came into the room. (Heard Mom on the monitor) She thought the Daycare bus driver was her boyfriend. That there was a baby crying in her AL. I did say that only adults lived in her AL. She looked at the aide next to me and said "I'll believe you but not her" pointing at me. The aide told her there were no babies, Mom said "ok" and walked away.
Dementia has no ryhmn or reason. So when she is happy be glad.😁