Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
How Can Night Terrors While Suffering From Dementia Be Treated?
My 87 year old Mother lives with my husband and me. Due to previous strokes and Dementia, she yells very loudly at night in her sleep. Various drugs have been tried, Xanax, Xanax ER, Melatonin, Ativan, Tamezapam. They will help her to sleep in a deep sleep with no yelling for about 1 or 2 nights at the most and then it starts again. I was wondering if Haldol or another Anti-psychotic drug would be something to consider. And would she need to see a Psychiatrist to be evaluated for this? I am very concerned about side effects also and understand that many drugs have a reverse effect on the elderly. This has been very frustrating and I am determined to find help for her. Thank you
posted on
Thu, 3 Aug 2017
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Mon, 28 Aug 2017
Answered on
Tue, 29 Aug 2017
Last reviewed on
Hello,
It is possible that an antipsychotic medication (probably the newer ones would be better than haldol) may be helpful in this situation. You are correct however and there is an increase risk of early death in elderly patients taking these medications. The benefits must be weighed carefully against the risks. Talk to her doctor or neurologist. If they are not comfortable prescribing these medications a psychiatrist may be needed.
Regards
It is possible that an antipsychotic medication (probably the newer ones would be better than haldol) may be helpful in this situation. You are correct however and there is an increase risk of early death in elderly patients taking these medications. The benefits must be weighed carefully against the risks. Talk to her doctor or neurologist. If they are not comfortable prescribing these medications a psychiatrist may be needed.
Regards
I find this answer helpful
Along with medications she also needs emotional support
Follow advise
1.Involvement in creative activites according to her capabilities
2.contact spiritual organization in your city like Brahmakumaris they teach meditation free of cost and this meditation will surely help in normalizing her mood and emotions
3. Daily outing morning evening and spend some time with nature like in Park will certainly help
4. Soft music and involvement in religious/ spiritual programme will help certainly
Follow advise
1.Involvement in creative activites according to her capabilities
2.contact spiritual organization in your city like Brahmakumaris they teach meditation free of cost and this meditation will surely help in normalizing her mood and emotions
3. Daily outing morning evening and spend some time with nature like in Park will certainly help
4. Soft music and involvement in religious/ spiritual programme will help certainly
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Loading Online Doctors....