Newest Numbers on Seroquel Just In

FloydSnax

Here we go. I have posted how this drug has initially proven to be a lifesaver for me and my mom (In dealing with the "Sundowning" sitch). So, I didn't do much research into this drug I guess because it was such a horrible issue, and I was just glad to hear this might be the answer to my prayers. And it seems to be!! 

Today, I go in and get a refill at the hospitals pharmacy and you know they enclose tons of paperwork with the medications which I rarely read because I go over everything with her doctor. For some reason, today I read through every page. 

The very first thing, very first sentence of the very first paragraph... 

Risk of death in the elderly with dementia. Medicines like quetiapine tablets can increase the risk of death in elderly people who have memory loss (dementia). This tablet is not for treating psychosis in the elderly with dementia.

What? Am I supposed to decide...I don't even know what to decide or what to think. I'm lost in a drug nightmare. What am I supposed to do?

Stuck in the middle

Floyd, I think you have to weigh the possibility of adverse side effects of the medicine against the certainty of her (and your) misery without the medicine.  If you and she are happier (or less unhappy) with the medicine, it is worth the risk (or would be to me if it were my mother).

PickledCondiment

I too have read all the Seroquel collateral provided by the pharmacy, reviewed with PCP and completed significant independent research.  Critical to remember,  the information is written by the FDA, is written to cover a multitude of scenarios. 

For me, Seroquel is providing my LO comfort.  We (PCP and family) keep increasing the dosing as needed, we are comfortable with the risk issues.  Sadly, factually my LO with eventually die from LBD (Lewy Body Dementia).  

The number of available Rx for Dementia sufferers are limited.  Again for me, I'll take the risks and do what I can to provide comfort for my LO.

FloydSnax

Pickle

You're right. The alternative is worse. I panic... all the time nowadays.

FloydSnax

Stuck

You're right. Hate this. All of this

ICalE

My Mom is on Wellbutrin and Seroquil as of maybe 3 weeks ago.  Not sure which of those two is doing it (Wellbutrin takes up to 4 weeks to start working), but it is working wonderfully as far as I'm concerned.  It's completely unmanageable otherwise.  I mean she's still paranoid/delusional, but she is no longer aggressive and is calm and much more open to the idea of discussing even her own cognitive decline.  So IMO it is well worth it so far.

FloydSnax

IcalE

I'm glad the meds are working for both you and your mother. I know what you mean by unmanageable. It's insane. It's like a bad dream we can't wake from.

Christy625

I am new to this forum.  My father in law had sundowners real extreme last year.  His neurologist prescribed Sertraline and Lamotrigine.  The combination of the two have really helped his mood.  He is still on this combination.  I think you have to focus on how the patient is doing on the meds!  If it is working then both of you will have an easier day!