Anxiety Medications for Alzheimer's Patient

Paul Maltby

My wife (76) is at an advanced stage of Alzheimer's. She suffers from extreme anxiety and yet no medication seems to help. So, my question is: Is there a stage in the progression of Alzheimer's at which no anxiety medication is effective?

harshedbuzz

@Paul Maltby

Hi and welcome. I am sorry for your reason to be here but pleased you found this place. IME, psychoactive medication can dial back the level of anxiety, but not extinguish it entirely.

One thing that helped my dad whose agitation presented as dangerous aggression was seeing a geriatric psychiatrist. He was so much better with meds than dad's neurologist.

HB

M1

Hi Paul and welcome, agree with the above. Hard to comment further depending on what's been tried already and what hasn't. The "typical" antianxiety meds—such as antidepressants (Celexa, Lexapro, Zoloft) and short-acting benzodiazepines (Xanax, Klonopin, Ativan) are of limited use. The antidepressants can help some if dosed appropriately, but the benzodiazepines are typically contraindicated becasue of additional confusion and fall risk. Atypical antipsychotics like Seroquel and Risperdal are probably your best bet, but not all providers are comfortable prescribing these. An additional thought—have you thought about a hospice evaluation? You don't need a doctor's order and can call yourself. They are typically very adept with medications also….and narcotics can help, too, if dosed appropriately and used judiciously.

easy23

I have tried a low dose of cbd/cannabis edible with some success for anxiety.