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

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 4

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 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

can you tell me how to stop the gp prescribing too much wrong medication for my elderly dad?

Accepted Answer

Geriatric assessment: This is where a full eval by a Geriatrician can help. Polypharmacy is common and have a significant impact on may things in the elderly- including hospitaliztions for adverse drug reactions, falls and confusion. A frequent review and education og the patient about his meds may help duplication of meds and missue. Please try to find a board certified Geriatrician in your area for a comprehensive.

Question 7

is anti-retroviral medication often discontinued in elderly dementia patients? if so does disease progress fast or will they die of something else 1st

Accepted Answer

Antiretroviral tx: Most antivirals have side effects and they are expensive and pts need to take too many pills. They may interact with other medications. If the pt with dementia enters into a hospice program they may question the issue to continue or not with the retrovirals anti HIV meds. Discontinuation of anti HIV meds will provoke multiplication of the virus and advancement towards aids.

Question 8

why are antipsychotic medications prescribed to elderly people with dementia?

Accepted Answer

For symptom relief: Anyone of any age who has dementia can suffer from fearfulness, paranoia, hallucinations, delusions and other psychotic symptoms. Antipsychotic medications can be the most effective way to minimize or eliminate these symptoms and the suffering they cause. Use of any medication for any illness should be preceded by a discussion of risks and benefits.

Question 9

i know anticholinergic medications have bad effects on cognition in the elderly. do these effects reverse after discontinuation? if so, how long does it take to return to baseline cognitive function

Accepted Answer

Anti cholinergics: If the drugs were taken intermittently or for short periods of time the effects will disappear within days

Question 10

how to retard cataract formation in elderly patients ?are there any glasses/medications for same ?

Accepted Answer

'blurred lines': Avoid direct sun light to the eyes, foods that predispose to adult onset diabetes, and prolonged systemic or topical steroid use. Otherwise, it's genetics that imipact the timeframe for cataract developement.

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Doctor answers about:

Medication 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:

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

A member asked:

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

Can you tell me how to stop the gp prescribing too much wrong medication for my elderly dad?

A member asked:

Is anti-retroviral medication often discontinued in elderly dementia patients? if so does disease progress fast or will they die of something else 1st

A member asked:

Why are antipsychotic medications prescribed to elderly people with dementia?

A member asked:

I know anticholinergic medications have bad effects on cognition in the elderly. do these effects reverse after discontinuation? if so, how long does it take to return to baseline cognitive function

A member asked:

How to retard cataract formation in elderly patients ?are there any glasses/medications for same ?

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