Reply to how to get Mom to take anti-depressants

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]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!

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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.[/quote]

Does you parent have a neurologist (maybe for migraines or something)? It would be better to have someone with lots of experience with the elderly. Does PCP have lots of elderly experience? Are you sure it's worth weaning him off? Does he want that? Yes, with other meds there are fall risks as well. You have to weigh pros and cons. Are you sure he doesn't have low level anxiety on meds and major anxiety off them? Does his mental health issue repel people when he isn't medicated. Think long and hard about how things will look off meds and the fall risk may be the least of your problems. Is this driven by him or you?[/quote]

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