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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Are Seroquel And Lexapro Drugs Safe To Recommend In Dementia Patients?

88 year old woman with severe dementia was taking donepezil and doctor in rehab center prescribed Seroquel and Lexapro in lieu of donepezil and she also takes Xanax as needed for anxiety. Which med do you think is best or are both ok. She also takes 4 blood pressure meds and pravastatin. I do not want to over medicate until her doctors apt at end of month. in articles I have read the bi-polar scitzo meds like this one should not be given to dementia. Any clarification is appreciated,
Thu, 12 Oct 2017
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hello thanks for asking from HCM

I can understand your concern. A lot of individuals with dementia develop psychotic symptoms and depression. These are seen as comorbidities in dementia. Seroqueal has been given to her probably to calm her and to improve her mood. Lexapro has been prescribed to her for depressed mood and to prevent mood swings.

Donepezil is given for dementia for improvement in cognitive functions. In my opinion if she has severe dementia then she should be given Donepezil and also Seroquel and Lexapro.

She is also taking Xanax which is a benzodiazepine drug. The drug should be avoided in elderly and also in patients of dementia. The drug worsens the cognitive impairment. So you can discuss with her doctor for that drug too.

Thanks and Take care
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Are Seroquel And Lexapro Drugs Safe To Recommend In Dementia Patients?

Hello thanks for asking from HCM I can understand your concern. A lot of individuals with dementia develop psychotic symptoms and depression. These are seen as comorbidities in dementia. Seroqueal has been given to her probably to calm her and to improve her mood. Lexapro has been prescribed to her for depressed mood and to prevent mood swings. Donepezil is given for dementia for improvement in cognitive functions. In my opinion if she has severe dementia then she should be given Donepezil and also Seroquel and Lexapro. She is also taking Xanax which is a benzodiazepine drug. The drug should be avoided in elderly and also in patients of dementia. The drug worsens the cognitive impairment. So you can discuss with her doctor for that drug too. Thanks and Take care