Any experience with Mirtazapine for aggression in Alzheimer’s?

Posted by 1k194 @1k194, Aug 29, 2023

Just wondering if anyone has experience with Mirtazapine being given for aggression/uncooperativeness in patient with moderate stage Alzheimer’s?

Is there another medication that has been helpful for this issue?

I’m confused as I try to research remedies, and medications for behavioral issues in people with dementia. One source will say that a certain class of drugs shouldn’t be used in people with dementia, and another source says something different. (And by sources I mean not only reputable online sources like medical websites, but also different doctors we’ve seen in person).

My dad is in moderate stage Alzheimer’s and has a severe aversion to wiping, washing and sometimes even changing out of soiled clothes. He gets very angry and physically aggressive. It’s extremely stressful and exhausting.

(He takes memantine, and has been tried on Aricept, depakote, Seroquel and Ativan (separately) to no avail)

Any advice? Thanks

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larryg333 | @larryg333 | Aug 29, 2023

@1k194 -- Know several caregivers that have used Quetiapine for aggression in these cases. Suggest you start with a low dose and progress slow with any needed increases. Consult these specifics with your primary care doc. If you begin too fast or increase too much it may raise the chances for negative side effects, interference wth other meds, and / or induce too much sedation... which could also pose other probs (safety, ability to participate, etc.)

Good luck!

/LarryG

geebold | @geebold | Aug 30, 2023

Mom is on Mirtazapine 7.5 mg for sundowning. At first, it made her her extremely groggy. The doctor recommended cutting it in half and it has worked wonders. She’s less agitated and sleeps better at night. It has also improved her appetite, as she was not eating well after surgery and getting an ostomy.

I hope things improve for you and you find the right remedy.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Sep 10, 2023

@1k194, did your dad start on mirtazapine? How is he doing? How are you doing?

purpleturtle | @purpleturtle | Sep 11, 2023

My husband has been in Zoloft for many years for depression and anxiety. He has front temporal dementia. Recently he declined after contacting covid which led to pneumonia. He lost alot of weight and was hospitalized for a week with dehydration and malnutrition. He did not want to eat or drink. His doctor prescribed meclizine for 7.5 mg in the evening to help his appetite and help him sleep better. He takes this in addition to the Zoloft. So far he is doing very well. His appetite is better, he has gained weight and is sleeping well at night