Zyprexa...anyone have experience, insights

StephHoff

I have been reading this forum for a couple of years but this is my first time posting.  My dad is progressing quickly into stage 6.  My mom has refused to have any professional help in the house (she says she has caregivers, but they are 2 older gentlemen who just take him out on walks and for ice cream.  I don't at all minimize what they are doing because it gives her a break, but it's far less than what she needs). She finally agreed to have him stay at a memory care facility for 3-4 weeks of respite care.  My parents live in a very small town without any respite care options that were going to work, so he's in the town where I live, which is 3 1/2 hours from her.  

To make this long story short, he isn't complying with doing really anything at all at this facility, including bathing, changing clothes, which I know doesn't need to happen all that regularly.  But the thing is, he won't do anything at all and he's almost 2 weeks into being there.  And last night he struck one of the med techs when she tried to change his shoes (which are rubbing a pretty nasty sore spot on his foot).  We took him directly to the ER and they administered a dose of Zyprexa.  I didn't notice a big difference in behavior, but I know it takes a bit for that to happen. 

The doctor at the ER and the charge nurse at this facility are recommending Zyprexa and a sleep aid from here on out - forgot to mention that he isn't sleeping at all during the night.  He's probably getting about 2-3 hours per 24 hour cycle with very small naps during the day.  I'm interested in hearing about any loved ones out there who may be familiar with this drug.  I'd appreciate any tips, tricks, or magic that might help him to be just a tiny more compliant.  Many thanks!

M1

I think it's a reasonable choice Steph.  Both Zyprexa and Seroquel are used fairly regularly both for aggressive behaviors and for sleep.  You should be able to see some response to the drug fairly quickly, let's hope.

Cynbar

My DH took Zyprexa very successfully for almost three years. It really cut down on his delusions and anger and agitation--- didn't get rid of them but main them much more manageable. Just recently this spring it seemed to stop working and his psychiatrist changed him to Risperidone, another anti-psychotic. But Zyprexa was a big help for a long time without any noticeable side effects.

StephHoff

Thanks so much.  I appreciate this.  He's been on it for 3 days now.  I know it takes a little bit before it starts to make a difference, but it does seem to be helping.

M1

Good to hear-fingers crossed for you.