how to get Mom to take anti-depressants

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just tell her how you feel, instead of trying to plan on medications that may or may not work. If she’s feeling blue about aging, trying to take away her agency will only make it worse. Maybe it’s just a season? We all hand them.

These are often signs of dementia too-withdrawing, obsessing, being mean. Telling someone with dementia how it makes you feel often doesn't go over well. The doctor needs to be aware of what OP is seeing so a screener can be done for both mental health issues and dementia which can be intertwined. I saw what happens when they don't get meds, etc with in my own family. Lashing out and scaring away friends, being asked to leave a doctor's office due to rudeness, etc. Better to be proactive.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:NP, but does everyone think PCPs are fine to handle medication for low-level depression and anxiety? I need to switch my dad off of Paxil (explained below). I don't think mine or OPs parent would do the psychiatrist route! Thanks!

====longer post=====
My father with dementia has been on Paroxetine (Paxil) for 10 years and now I learn it's known as an "anticholinergic" (can cause poor coordination, confusion, basically exacerbate dementia).

I'm upset bc withdrawal off of it is terrible, so now I have to help my dad tackle that.

NP here-I'm confused because, literally last week, a dr told me to wean my dad off clonazipam and put him ON Paxil. Said clonazipam can cause his Parkinsons symptoms to be more pronounced (among them, the things you mentioned). I'm not sure what to do!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We just added it to my mom's other meds. Geriatrician gave it to her.

PP here, this is what we do with Dad-we just put all his pills in his pill cups.

[Anonymous]

Liquid form? Haven’t read other comments.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:NP, but does everyone think PCPs are fine to handle medication for low-level depression and anxiety? I need to switch my dad off of Paxil (explained below). I don't think mine or OPs parent would do the psychiatrist route! Thanks!

====longer post=====
My father with dementia has been on Paroxetine (Paxil) for 10 years and now I learn it's known as an "anticholinergic" (can cause poor coordination, confusion, basically exacerbate dementia).

I'm upset bc withdrawal off of it is terrible, so now I have to help my dad tackle that.

NP here-I'm confused because, literally last week, a dr told me to wean my dad off clonazipam and put him ON Paxil. Said clonazipam can cause his Parkinsons symptoms to be more pronounced (among them, the things you mentioned). I'm not sure what to do!

Get a second opinion from a geriatric psychiatrist or at least a psychiatrist. Clonazapam is a benzo and stopping abruptly is not indicated, especially if he’s been on it for a long time. Consider this: all meds have side effects. Should be weaned maybe once other med is at a therapeutic dose. Paxil is an ssri and it takes about 14 days to fully be at levels that would help. And even the starting dose may be too low.

I’m short don’t do what someone on this board recommends. Get direction w someone who specializes in the problem at hand. Best wishes for you’d and you. PS. My mom had dementia and had to have Ativan. Both are progressive illnesses. Weigh benefit to your dad over harm to him in an educated way.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:NP, but does everyone think PCPs are fine to handle medication for low-level depression and anxiety? I need to switch my dad off of Paxil (explained below). I don't think mine or OPs parent would do the psychiatrist route! Thanks!

====longer post=====
My father with dementia has been on Paroxetine (Paxil) for 10 years and now I learn it's known as an "anticholinergic" (can cause poor coordination, confusion, basically exacerbate dementia).

I'm upset bc withdrawal off of it is terrible, so now I have to help my dad tackle that.

NP here-I'm confused because, literally last week, a dr told me to wean my dad off clonazipam and put him ON Paxil. Said clonazipam can cause his Parkinsons symptoms to be more pronounced (among them, the things you mentioned). I'm not sure what to do!

Get a second opinion from a geriatric psychiatrist or at least a psychiatrist. Clonazapam is a benzo and stopping abruptly is not indicated, especially if he’s been on it for a long time. Consider this: all meds have side effects. Should be weaned maybe once other med is at a therapeutic dose. Paxil is an ssri and it takes about 14 days to fully be at levels that would help. And even the starting dose may be too low.

I’m short don’t do what someone on this board recommends. Get direction w someone who specializes in the problem at hand. Best wishes for you’d and you. PS. My mom had dementia and had to have Ativan. Both are progressive illnesses. Weigh benefit to your dad over harm to him in an educated way.

. Excuse typos. I’m pecking from my phone.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:NP, but does everyone think PCPs are fine to handle medication for low-level depression and anxiety? I need to switch my dad off of Paxil (explained below). I don't think mine or OPs parent would do the psychiatrist route! Thanks!

====longer post=====
My father with dementia has been on Paroxetine (Paxil) for 10 years and now I learn it's known as an "anticholinergic" (can cause poor coordination, confusion, basically exacerbate dementia).

I'm upset bc withdrawal off of it is terrible, so now I have to help my dad tackle that.

NP here-I'm confused because, literally last week, a dr told me to wean my dad off clonazipam and put him ON Paxil. Said clonazipam can cause his Parkinsons symptoms to be more pronounced (among them, the things you mentioned). I'm not sure what to do!

Get a second opinion from a geriatric psychiatrist or at least a psychiatrist. Clonazapam is a benzo and stopping abruptly is not indicated, especially if he’s been on it for a long time. Consider this: all meds have side effects. Should be weaned maybe once other med is at a therapeutic dose. Paxil is an ssri and it takes about 14 days to fully be at levels that would help. And even the starting dose may be too low.

I’m short don’t do what someone on this board recommends. Get direction w someone who specializes in the problem at hand. Best wishes for you’d and you. PS. My mom had dementia and had to have Ativan. Both are progressive illnesses. Weigh benefit to your dad over harm to him in an educated way.

. Excuse typos. I’m pecking from my phone.

No prob-thanks for the info! We are weaning him, on the advice of that dr (who was an ER doc whom actually spent more time with, and seemed to be more knowledgable about, my dad than his regular dr) and dad has an appt with his regular dr on Tuesday for the paxil scrip. We're seeing the parkinsons neuro clinic in a few weeks and I'm going over all this with them (first time I've been so involved but we're at that point).