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Transitions..... Medications for Behavioral Symptoms
Caregivers: Dementia | Last Active: Jul 30, 2022 | Replies (22)Comment receiving replies
My 93 year old mother was diagnosed with dementia four years ago. Most recently her physician said he believed she had LBD due to her intense hallucinations, delusions and paranoia. She started out with 50 mg of Seroquel a day and stayed on that for approximately three years. Several months ago, her dosage was increased to 150 a day. I cannot really say it improved her condition significantly. I asked her geriatric physician if there was anything else she could take. Her said Seroquel is exactly the drug used to treat her type of dementia. Five weeks ago we moved her to an assisted center. She has now been increased to one 50 mg in the morning and 200 at night. Since this last increase, her hallucinations are now occurring any time she's awake. She thinks everyone at the center is involved in a plot to kill her and remains terrified in her room. I have to think that this sudden spiral downward must be from the Seroquel. Looking for someone who may have experienced or has a loved one who had issues with Seroquel.
Replies to "My 93 year old mother was diagnosed with dementia four years ago. Most recently her physician..."
Hello @dgallen Welcome - I look forward to sharing with you our respective journeys. I am the primary caregiver for my husband here in our home. His mix of medications and various dosages is always a concern for me -- as you know, there is no silver bullet -- our physician reminds me of that fact each time we discuss changes to my husbands current mix. He started last October on 50 mg of Seroquel and is still taking that dosage -- I believe that it helped immediately with his agitation but did not really effect his lack of interest / sadness with life - nor was there a change in his restless sleep patterns. In mid-November I changed his primary physician to one that provides home visits and is very responsive (HouseCall Providers). She took him off a medication to help relieve his night sweats due to possible complications and suggested that he add to his mix Cymbalta 20 mg for depression as well as Exelon 1.5mg (in addition to his current donepezil 10mg) - our pharmacist said that we might not see a change for a few days/weeks. This was true but since mid-December he has been sleeping during the night for 6 to 8 hours without waking -- truly remarkable after the months of not sleeping longer than 2 hours at a time. I do not know enough about the medications to know how they may be interacting or the effect of an increased dosage. I do know that his current balance could all change in a moment -- the only control I have as his care giver is to observe and monitor how he is feeling and advocate directly with his physician. Unfortunately, I also agree with Scott that any change in routine also plays a major role in behavior. In the comfort of his own home, my husband often becomes confused and does not like having additional people around to help us. I'm currently working with our outside care givers to figure out ways to help my husband be more accepting of them in our home.
Wishing you strength on your journey with your Mother.
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Hello @dgallen Nice to e-meet you here. I am Scott. While I am in no way a medical professional of any sort, I was my wife's primary caregiver for 14+ years while she battled brain cancer, which included many dementia-like symptoms. She was on Seroquel for years of her illness. I was also one of the secondary caregivers for my MIL who had frontal temporal dementia as well as having worked for the national Alzheimer's Association fundraising for their research programs.
First let me say I wish you strength and courage as you continue your caregiving role. It is quite a journey as you already know.
My wife's Seroquel dosage also went up through her illness. At the end she was taking 150 mg in the AM and 300 mg at bedtime. This in conjunction with more than eight additional medications daily. THIS IS ONLY THE DOSAGE SHE WAS ON and is NOT A SUGGESTION of any kind. The Seroquel was a huge help to her. HUGE and the only med that touched her extraordinary anxiety levels.
I will add that with my MIL, and many other dementia patients, any change in their routine, especially with medical ramifications, they can take a significant step down in their abilities and experience changes as a result. This began to happen with my MIL and my wife even on days the doctor would have a regular home hospice visit. I only say this since it might be the change in surroundings could be the cause of some of your mother's changes.
I wish you peace and strength.