Question 1

what is the safest treatment for elderly anxiety and depression?

Accepted Answer

Love ; presence: Honestly, authentic love is probably the safest treatment for elderly anxiety and depression.  Love with compassion, willingness to be present for daily tasks of living, and to hear stories that are on the person&#x27;s mind.  Sometimes professional treatment may also be needed in the form of lower doses of antidepressants, plus supportive psychotherapy.

Question 2

can quetiapine increase anxiety in elderly even in very low dosages?

Accepted Answer

Patients can react: Differently to drugs. This particular drug in my experience has not increased anxiety.

Question 3

how long should it take for .5 mg risperdal to calm agitation or anxiety in elderly?

Accepted Answer

Within few days: Most people will have a calming effect in the first day.  This sounds like the right dose.  Some need more some less and may be repeated.

Question 4

is it safe to switch antipsychotics for anti anxiety meds in the elderly?

Accepted Answer

Get expert help: Psychotropic medications can be very hard on the elderly and i'd try to avoid them entirely - but, if needed - make sure the doctor is experienced w/ this age group. The mildest med at the lowest dose w/ the least risky side-efx is best. I'd hope for prn (as needed) Ativan (lorazepam) to be enough unless there is danger of injury involved. Get an expert involved in DX and rx and milieu tx. Best!

Question 5

can an elderly person take .5 mg of ativan (only as needed) while taking 12.5 mg of seroquel (quetiapine) at night for severe anxiety attacks?

Accepted Answer

Check with your Dr: Your doctor knows you best.  You will process these drugs differently and they may have prolonged effects.  It is best to ask the person that knows your medical history the best.

Question 6

what is elderly abuse?

Accepted Answer

Elder abuse: There are many ways to abuse our elderly. Check out http://www.aoa.gov/AoA_programs/elder_rights/EA_prevention/whatisEA.aspx &amp; http://www.ncea.aoa.gov/ for info on elder abuse and what you can do to stop it.

Question 7

emotional need for elderly?

Accepted Answer

Visit: Visit elderly frequently, family care giver needs to avoid fatigue. Talk to home visiting nurse if indicated.

Question 8

are e-cigs safe for the elderly?

Accepted Answer

Same as non-elderly: It's doubtful that e-cigs &amp; vaporizers are any safer for elderly than non-elderly. If anything, smoking in general is worse, because lung function deteriorates w/age. So it's always best to quit smoking rather than substitute one form for another. Currently we don't have much info on e-cigs &amp; vaporizers.

Question 9

what are symptoms of elderly abuse?

Accepted Answer

Many: Firstly, any abuse should be reported. Obvious signs of bruises in many stages of healing, genital or rectal trauma. A patient that seems fearful of their caretaker, or a patient that the caretaker refuses to have you interview them alone maybe  a sign. Under nutrition, poor hygiene and other signs of neglect maybe noticeable. Less obvious signs may include financial abuse.

Question 10

why is caffeine bad for the elderly?

Accepted Answer

Incr HR &amp; diuresis: Caffeine isn't necessarily bad for all elderly although it may increase heart rate and act as a diuretic, both of which may not be ideal in any given individual.

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Doctor answers about:

Elderly anxiety

A member asked:

What is the safest treatment for elderly anxiety and depression?

A member asked:

Can quetiapine increase anxiety in elderly even in very low dosages?

A member asked:

How long should it take for .5 mg risperdal to calm agitation or anxiety in elderly?

A member asked:

Is it safe to switch antipsychotics for anti anxiety meds in the elderly?

A member asked:

Can an elderly person take .5 mg of ativan (only as needed) while taking 12.5 mg of seroquel (quetiapine) at night for severe anxiety attacks?

A member asked:

What is elderly abuse?

A member asked:

Emotional need for elderly?

A member asked:

Are e-cigs safe for the elderly?

A member asked:

What are symptoms of elderly abuse?

A member asked:

Why is caffeine bad for the elderly?

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