The use of Zyprexa with my Mom....is this causing more harm than good?
Zyprexa - My Mom has been taking Zyprexa for the last few months. She continues to seem manic and sometimes is exhausted but just can't relax or sleep. She compulsively walks around saying "come on, let's go". I will say she seems less anxious since beginning this drug but is it worth being exhausted all of the time? Does anyone have experience with this drug and could give me some further information or guidance?
Hi Jan
It is sometimes difficult to know when the benefits of taking a drug outweigh the side effects. It is a problem with many medications, but is especially so with a number of medications used for behavioral and psychiatric symptoms.
It is helpful to recall how the ‘patient' was and the reasons that the drug was prescribed in the first place. It is also important to remember that agitation and restlessness can cause profound physical problems in elders if allowed to continue. As you say, your Mom still gets manic episodes.
Many drugs that reduce mania do so by tranquillizing the patient. It may be worth talking to her doctor. The alternative is to, with the doctor's approval and cooperation, to stop the drug and (a) try another drug or (b) reduce the dosage. Do you think that is a good idea? Could you cope with the resulting behavior if she became more manic?
Christine
- Thank you for your input
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j
Monday, August 17, 2009 at 08:56 PM
Christine Kennard
Tuesday, August 18, 2009 at 06:36 AM
Hi Jan
Yes, it is really difficult time for you. You having to deal with all the arrangements for your Mom, you a trying to cope psychologically with seeing her in such a reduced state and trying to make sure she gets the best care and the best medication that is available.
Unfortunately there are no magic pills! It does sound from what you have told me, that the doctor and you are doing the right thing for your Mom. Getting a balance of medication that is able to reduce her mania and make her feel, as much as is possible, calmer is what you aim for, and overall it does sound that Zyprexa achieves that doesn't it?
Best Wishes
Christine
j
Tuesday, August 18, 2009 at 08:39 AM
Overall, I think my Mom is better since starting the Zyprexa. She continues to be restless most of the day and at times just can't stop even when she tells me she is exhausted. I'm learning new ways to help her calm down enough to get into her bed and take a short nap. Sometimes a warm bath helps, sometimes laying in bed next to her and rubbing her back helps, sometimes I have to treat her as my child and tell her she can't get out of the bed until she gets a nap. At this point, I just do whatever might work and show her compassion, kindness and lots of love. She is also taking Zanax 3 times a day and has a prn if needed for additional Zanax. Even though she is what I would call "manic" at times, she isn't as anxious, upset or angry now. That must sound strange but what I saw before the Zyprexa was worse and there really wasn't much quality of life for her.
Trying to do the best I can to help my Mom but every day brings a new challenge with my siblings, the nursing home and my Mom's progression of this disease. I don't know how much more stress I would feel if I didn't have this site and people like you to walk through some of these issues with me. Thanks you so much for your support and help.
Jan
I feel for you. My sister is now in a nursing home for alzheimer. But I took care of her for awhile. The outbursts when I needed to barh her or change her underclothes were awful. They now have her on i depression medicine and 2 bipolar drugs at the home. I think they have her overdosed. But she still gets agitated when something is done to her, other times she is calm but most of the time acts drugged. This is such a terrible disease and no one comprehend what it is like unless they have a loved one going thru this.
I just read that the FDA has not approved any of these drugs for alzheimer patients. This is so sad because they do need something to help them and us thru this.
This is not real answer for you but just wanted you to know you are not alone
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Christine,
I had a conversation with my Mom's doctor and as you suggested we reviewed how my Mom's behavior was before the medication and if the benefits are outweighing the side effects. At this time, the doctor has decided to continue the same dosage and continue watching for changes in her behavior and any new side effects. My Mom was manic before taking Zyprexa and continues to be restless but not as aggitated. If discontinuing this medication in any way would create more manic episodes or cause other difficulties, I just can't imagine my Mom having any quality of life left. Sometimes it is difficult for me to understand why there isn't a "magic" pill to make my Mom peaceful all of the time but I do understand that many of my Mom's difficulties are part of the progression of this horrible disease. We try to create moments of joy and days that are more happy than not...if that makes any sense.
Thank you for responding........I have really been struggling lately and trying to find ways to cope myself.
Jan