We put my 92 year old father on a low dose of Zoloft (25 mg.) about a week ago, to see if it would help his incredibly mean verbal abuse that seemingly comes out the blue and is always directed at my husband. So far, it seems to be working! He has had anxiety issues for YEARS that never were addressed; OCD issues that were never addressed either so we also have to deal with that.
But I cannot recommend enough that you speak with your elder's internist and ask about prescribing a low dose of antidepressant. The elderly seem to tolerate and metabolize these well and if it makes them a bit more happy and less crabby, combative and verbally abusive....what could be wrong? DO IT!
About a year ago we convinced him to give Xanax a try (at his dr's suggestion for anxiety). He did. It was the lowest dose possible. Again it made a noticeable improvement in his mood; however, he began having very vivid dreams (one of the side effects). The dreams to him were nightmares and he wondered if the Xanax was the cause, when he didn't take the pill he wouldn't have a nightmare,so he stopped taking those as well.
He continues to have extreme anxiety and I am at a loss because he refuses to try any other meds that may help for his fear of nightmares. They really did help except for the bad dreams side effect. Any others experience this with their elderly parent?
Laughing my butt off.
Please look up the educational requirements for a Neurologist and a Psychiatrist.
Some drugs need to be built up slowing and weaned off gradually; other can be stopped cold turkey.
If you have to take drugs (and don't we all wish we didn't?) it is important to take them under the watchful eye of a professional who knows what he or she is doing. And, of course, it is important to keep that professional informed of the results and any changes.