Can valium help calm alzheimer's patients?

Poorly: Valium, ativan, Xanax (alprazolam) and similar drugs calm the brain, but unfortunately act a little like giving liquor. They will work, but in alzheimer's patients are often associated with unwelcome side effects. It is important to always, first look for more simply treatable issues, like discomfort, hunger, senory impairment that may be treated with simpler solutions.

Maybe: Valium (diazepam) is a long acting benzodiazepine that is considered dangerous for patients above age 65. Can cause excessive sedation, makes pts prone for falling, relaxes the muscles, lowers the blood pressure. Drs. Will prefer a short acting medicine to calm pts with alzheimers with agitation. It is not an absolute contraindication though.

Rx for Alzheimer's: Normally, valium and ativan (lorazepam) are not very helpful for people with Alzheimers. These medicines, which are sometimes used to relieve anxiety, may have paradoxical effects in people with dementia. They may cause them to feel excessively sleepy or irritable. Most providers who handle people with these illnesses use antipsychotics in gentle doses. Quetiapine is an example.