She's not just my sister anymore and she was my best friend.

Posted by frances007 @frances007, Nov 5, 2023

My sister, ten years older than I am, age 72 and living with her 73 year old husband who has advanced dementia, was recently put on Vraylar along with the Zoloft that she has been taking for quite some time. She is not bipolar, but probably more depressed due to her husband's declining condition. While I more or less begged her not to take this medication prescribed by a psych nurse, she went ahead and began taking the drug a few months ago. Since she has been on this medication I have noticed a "shift" in her mental status and behavior that I can only describe as more "detached" and forgetful than usual. I recently spent a week at her house so that I could visit my brother in law, and also to get a break from my usual routine. While I was there I noticed that she seemed rather "out of it" and she was also having some memory problems of her own, which is not her "normal." Naturally I am concerned and I wonder if anyone who has either taken this medication or knows someone who has, has either experienced this type or reaction or seen it in others. While I realize her situation is indeed stressful and depressing, it seemed to me that combining these two medications for her was not prudent because my sister has some habits that are probably not wise to exercise while on this drug. She has also gained quite a bit of weight, and when I sent a picture of her and her husband to my close friend who knows them both, her reaction was, "your sister looks awful." She does look awful, does not sleep well and is not handling her husband's dementia in a healthy fashion. She will not see a therapist, will not ask her adult daughter or son or their spouses for any help, and got angry with me when I asked her why her kids did not come over more frequently so that she could have some time to herself. While I anticipated spending a very relaxing week with my sister and brother in law, I felt as though I was spending a week with a mother and toddler. My main concern is the effect this medication may be having on her, thus the reason for this post. I do not think it is my imagination, as we have always been very close. Now she fails to respond to my text messages, phone calls, emails etc. I suspect it is the medication, but what do I know? I mentioned to her that I had noticed a change since she started this drug, and that it felt as though she had done a "360" on me, but also said that if it was working then that was her business and not mine.
Can anyone advise me whether or not what I am witnessing could possibly be related to the Vraylar?

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Sorry you are going through this. I can only say that my Dad and I ( mostly my Dad) took care of my Mom with dementia till she passed. It was the worse thing we have ever experienced. When you live with that 24/7 it takes a huge toll on you, more than you can imagine. You sister may need a dosage adjustment. My Dad went in something because the stress is unreal. Hope things get better

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I agree. It is just terrible to see a dementia decline in a beloved spouse. And so difficult to be their caregiver. If it would be possible for you to stay with your brother in law while she gets away to visit friends out of town for a few days, you’d would be offering her a great gift. I completely understand that her relationship with you is hurtful right now and that’s completely legitimate to feel that way. But she really needs your help if it’s possible.

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Wow, this is a tough situation for you-- and the family.

I'm sorry that I can't answer about the Vraylar/medication.

All of my aunties were significant people in my life. Maybe reach out to your sister's children?
That may make your sister angry, but it sounds like she already is.
Maybe her kids need a little push from you, Auntie, to help them to get a handle on their situation in relation to their parents? Maybe they are already doing stuff but you just haven't seen it? And maybe not...

You are in a really tough spot and I wish you the best!!

Maybe you could post the Vraylar / medicine question in the another one of the sections here. It might get you some more responses.

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People older are put at risk for cardiac events ie strokes, when prescribed Vraylar. I gained 50lbs, had loss touch with my feelings, felt disconnected. I had terrible anxiety and insomnia. Once I stopped taking it, I felt like my old self, anxiety gone, insomnia gone lost 45 pounds.. I’m sorry your having to go through this with a loved one. My life was put at risk taking this. I wish you the best.

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