Getting extremely frustrated with the pharmaceutical cocktails issued to the elderly as part of the Psych consults we are all exposed to. Let's address the experiences our AD LO's have had with drugs. I am doing this for two reasons. First. there are a great many drugs with black box warnings regarding the elderly or AD or both. Second, there are drugs which have a black box warning which might not specifically address any group or addresses a particular group which may or may not relate to the elderly AD but should. Problem is too many elderly are subjected to too many drugs without careful scrutiny by doctors and the unfortunate caretakers are at a loss. So let's identify the drugs with side effects like agitation so others can keep an eye out. If you are about to embark on a new group of drugs, please take them one at a time so you can evaluate their efficacy.

I will start and add more later as I reach back the 10 years we have been doing this. If others could take a second, even if it is just one drug, I would appreciate your time.

Since I have recently been challenged on Lexapro by someone who gave absolutely no information other than backing the drug, I will start there. Welcome to pharmaceutical interference land. My mother who was not clinically depressed or for that matter evaluated by anyone was handed Lexapro. She vacillated between agitation and supreme depression and we terminated it. Others may have a better experience.

Black box warning paragraph after the suicide one for younger patients.

"You should know that your mental health may change in unexpected ways when you take escitalopram (Lexapro) or other antidepressants even if you are an adult over age 24. You may become suicidal, especially at the beginning of your treatment and any time that your dose is increased or decreased. You, your family, or your caregiver should call your doctor right away if you experience any of the following symptoms: new or worsening depression; thinking about harming or killing yourself, or planning or trying to do so; extreme worry; agitation; panic attacks; difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep; aggressive behavior; irritability; acting without thinking; severe restlessness; and frenzied abnormal excitement. Be sure that your family or caregiver knows which symptoms may be serious so they can call the doctor when you are unable to seek treatment on your own."

Other problem drugs.

Tylenol (and therefore Vicodan). Extreme agitation which was a major blow to us because we can't use aspirin and the pain from osteo is severe.

Sleep meds don't work on elderly - have the opposite effect. We gave up trying. Thank God for melatonin which saved us.

IBS - irritable bowel symptoms. Couldn't find one that worked. Major agitation. Welcome to colonoscopy world.

Benedryl. Don't even go there with AD.

Haldol. Major psychotic episodes and hallucinations.

Depakote. Wandering around looking for the same $3 in her pocket for 8 hours.

Aracept. Diarrhea.

Adivan. Slept for 40 minutes with an oral and then iv. Then walked around in the hospital and cracked her head open. Result 4 inches of stitches as a reminder.

More later. I am tired and I have to check her records. Contributions ?

Pat