supercharts Asked June 2016
Anyone know about the drug Citalopram for anixiety and depression?
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Is it safe for a women 85 years old in a nursing home to take 10 mgs. Virginia has some dementia and depression could be nursing home induced? I have refused any and all antipsychotic drugs. I have been googleing it but still cannot make up my mind to ok this drug as her primary health care person or not.Virginia has been getting better after 60 days in a nursing home but is restless and could use some relief. An ok drug for a 85 year old nursing home women or has anyone experenced bad side effect and not an ok drug?
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It really surprised me the Buspar has helped Virginia so quickly. She is more relaxed not hollering i was told by the Nurse on duty last night. So far its been the thing i been looking for to get relief for her as it does hurt saying no to the drugs offered but i thought they were to strong and i wanted something like this and grateful its working so far. I do see a more relaxed Virginia without the fear i seen before. I know its early and could change but so far working very well.I cannot tell you how much it helps me as well to know finally RELIEF for Virginia. No grapefruit or grapefruit * ty
If her "trigger points" are when the Hoyer is used to transfer her from bed to chair and back this could be the result of several things.
1. Does the staff take the time to explain to Virginia what they are doing.
2. Do they take their time so the explanation has a few moments to sink in?
3. Is it possible that she is scared during the transfers that she may fall?
4. Is she in actual pain during the movements?
Any or all of these could cause her to yell out.
I do realize in a Re-Hab facility they can not take a very long time due to the number of residents and the limited number of staff. But if they would realize that if you quietly and gently talk to someone while you are doing what needs to be done often the quiet voice and gentle touch can do much more than drugs.
This is not to say drugs will not help but it is possible that a much lower dose could be used along with kindness and understanding.
I know I would not like it if 2 people came at me rolled me to one side, slipped a sling under me, rolled me again and pulled the sling then hooded me up to a big scary metal bar then all of a sudden I am being lifted off my safe comfortable bed or out of my chair. I just might feel safer if someone told me what was going on. Doing this is just as important if the person has dementia. I find my husband is much less fearful when I am telling him what I am doing while I am doing it. I get much less resistance and SURPRISE..that makes my job easier! Win-Win!!
I myself also take from time to time although not on a daily basis. I take because of relationship issues. It does seem to help get me out of my want to cry spell and helps to lift my spirit. Of course I do other stuff to help as well.
*It takes some weeks for the effects to show: you don't just pop a pill in her mouth and magic her back to her normal happy self. Allow a month at least, after which you should see the edge come off her anxiety and bleak misery without any obvious "doping up."
However, she could be weaned off the drug when she no longer needed it.
But I'm wondering if there are other methods? Music and art therapy are noted for their ability to be mood stimulants, and they don't have side effects. Have you tried bringing CDs (or whatever music medium you use) of her favorite music? Coloring? Can she work large piece puzzles?
We played Kate Smith CDs for my mother; my father enjoys Mexican music b/c he was stationed close to Texas in WWII, He also loves polkas. They really gets his feet tapping in time to the music!
Other music, such as harp music, can induce relaxation. During my sister's last battle with cancer, we generally played mood music or light classical at night so we both could sleep.
A few weeks ago I was watching a PBS special on folk songs, during one of their marathon fundraisers. Those old songs were so meaningful, and were so powerful in inducing either calm, peace, recollection or just plain relaxation.
Are there any music programs with visiting musicians in the facility where Virginia currently is? If so, take her to them. Some of the old post WWII songs generate enthusiasm as well.
Once I took my music, brought my mother and an acquaintance she made at the rehab facility, and we went downstairs to where the baby grand was. There were just 2 of patients at that time, but after playing awhile, other people began rolling themselves in in their wheelchairs. It was really a touching moment to see how music affected them.
There's also pet therapy; they have the power to induce relaxation, and can easily cheer someone up in ways that medication can't.
I wanted to tell you that I'm concerned about the staffing level, the bedsores, the absence of the primary care doctor, and what plans were made to address the ADL issue when they rejected your plan.
I'm not getting the impression this place offers the greatest level of care. Are YOU satisfied with it?
If you're not, make it obvious by taking notes on everything that you're documenting. They won't know why, but word will get passed around that you are. I've overheard staff commenting when I take notes; the tone of voice suggested some concern.
I've also found that if I don't document and don't address issues right away, problems can occur more easily, meds that are unnecessary or inappropriate are given, and it's harder to reverse than having meetings with staff right away and setting the standards (i.e., in our case, NO substitutions for meds prescribed by the regular treating physicians).
All in al, celexa and its generics are good drugs that have been used successfully for many years.
Many older people develop anxiety/depression as they age, i think, due to loss of cognitive skills and because brain chemistry changes. It also seems true ( in my mom's case) that childhood traumas and fears resurface. If the brain is damaged in some way ( my mom has had some small strokes that were not detected, and then a big one, together they resulted in cognitive loss and loss of speech skills). There is no amount of reassurance that helps my mom be calm the way a combination of antidepressants and anti anxity meds does.
I'd give it a shot and see if there is improvement in three weeks or so. These meds take some time to work. Good luck.
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