The doctor want's to prescribe "Zyprexa" to help mom be less paranoid and scared that someone was?

27 Apr 2011

Hey rowlannicijo,

I would hesitate also having read the following:

Zyprexa (olanzapine) is not approved for the treatment of patients with dementia-related psychosis.

If your mother is suffering from dementia-related psychosis then I would definitely have the doctor explain why he/she has chosen this particular medication. Taken in low doses, it may be effective in treating psychosis in the elderly but the risks (cardiovascular) still exist and need to be addressed.

If she is continuing to make progress, then tell the doctor that you don't think it is necessary. If he feels that it is, then ask him to chose a different medication that is approved for dementia-related psychosis.

Advocating for her is significant and critical. Best wishes,

Laurie

27 Apr 2011

Rowlannicijo,
Zyprexa is a good anti-psychotic medication; we use it a lot at my hospital. Besides the schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, it is also prescribed for dementia in senior patients and also for Alzheimer's patients. Now that being said, it has been known to cause some eklderly patients to experience hypotension (extremely low blood pressure) and sudden heart failure. If you feel that it is not in your mother's best interest to take this pill, then you have every right to express that to the doctor. If he continues to insist, then respectfully ask for a second opinion. I hope this helps and I hope your mother gets well soon.

3 May 2011

Read the black box warning on ALL antipsychotics (old and new) it will tell you there is a serious risk of TIA's in people with Alzheimers or age related non-psychotic problems. The common way of saying TIA is MINI-STROKE.

These strokes are sometimes un-noticeable and can also be the cause of behavioral changes...