Mood swings and anger issues

Arrowhead

I placed my wife in memory care for Alzheimer’s two years ago and she is now bedridden. She has always been a very loving person, treating a stranger like a longtime friend or family member. Several months ago she started having mood swings and anger issues. Lately, she has been very happy when I first get there; smiling and laughing and wanting a hug and sometimes a kiss. Later she will get angry, gritting her teeth and getting violent. Later she might be happy again, followed by more anger. She has always been physically strong, and if she gets angry when changed or bathed, she can be hard to handle. I’m thinking she may need to be medicated. I’m interested in the experiences of others concerning anger medicines; effects and side effects. If you have had to deal with this, please share. Thank you.

Jazzma

My DH had issues with anger and aggression while in memory care. Seroquel was the first drug they tried, which didn't seem to help much from what I could see. Nemenda made a difference, and even seemed to help his cognition for a brief while. His neurologist made the unusual choice of prescribing Xanax to use as needed for agitation — something his primary care doctor didn't condone. It did help, but waiting until he was obviously upset made it less helpful.

Over time his aggression faded as the disease progressed. In hindsight I wish I'd pushed to have him taken off some of the medications then. Would it have made a difference in the end? Who knows. One of many thing I still question.

Wishing you the best on this very difficult road.

easy23

My DH is on risperidone, depakote and zoloft for anger, aggression, depression and anxiety. He was originally on risperidone for a few years for delusions. Several months ago he started getting agitated with the staff at MC when they tried to help him with personal care. The Dr. then added depakote. A couple of months ago he became agitated and combative. The doctor raised the risperidone dosage, raised the depakote dosage and added zoloft. He has been much better since then. He has had very few side effects.

SDianeL

my DH was on Risperidone and then Depakote when he became aggressive. If your LO is aggressive with staff they have no choice but to medicate as it’s very dangerous for the staff and the facility can’t risk them getting hurt.