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Agitation emotional swings

ME44
ME44 Member Posts: 6
5 Care Reactions First Comment
Member
edited November 2 in Caring For a Spouse or Partner

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.

Comments

  • LearningCurve
    LearningCurve Member Posts: 47
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    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
    CindyBum Member Posts: 558
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    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
    SDianeL Member Posts: 2,419
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    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.

  • jgreen
    jgreen Member Posts: 37
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    Hi ME44,

    Only thing I can add here is to speak with your pharmacist about the dose of Rexulti. You might want to begin with lowest dose and see how it goes. Then you can increase up to what was ordered by doctor if needed.

    I believe you will make the right decision for both you and your DW.

    God bless you.

  • midge333
    midge333 Member Posts: 600
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    Sounds like she would benefit from Rexulti. What specifically are you worried about?

Commonly Used Abbreviations


DH = Dear Husband
DW= Dear Wife, Darling Wife
LO = Loved One
ES = Early Stage
EO = Early Onset
FTD = Frontotemporal Dementia
VD = Vascular Dementia
MC = Memory Care
AL = Assisted Living
POA = Power of Attorney
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