Agitation emotional swings

ME44

My DW is in the moderate stages. She had been sleeping well through the night. But lately she has been waking in the middle of the night or very early in the morning with wet depends. She is then very emotional, often crying uncontrollably, and refusing to let me help her get changed. Her mood swings have become frequent and extreme, with more wandering and resentment toward me. In addition to Enmenda and Donepezil, she has been on a low dose of Paxil. Her neurologist prescribed Rexulti. We haven't filled it out of fear of the side effects. Has anyone had experience with it, good or bad? Also I would love any ideas for what might work for management of this new issue short of another medication.

LearningCurve

My DH takes 4-5 Rx related to dementia/Alz. He is 71. A few months ago we began using CBD drops and/or edibles. He gets a bad case of sundowners & agitation almost every day. I have a friend who has given advice/info about the world of cbd's. It has proven to be quite helpful (low dose).

CindyBum

I say the chance to lower her agitation, resentment and restlessness outweighs potential side effects of the medication prescribed. That's no way for either of you to live. You are now just managing behaviors that come with dementia. As much of a total bummer that is.

Hugs.

SDianeL

There isn’t much you can do for anxiety, depression, agitation or aggressiveness for those with dementia except medicating them. We have to weigh the benefits of the meds vs the side effects. No reason to let her be agitated.