Should dementia patients take antidepressants?

Antidepressants. Antidepressants such as sertraline, citalopram, mirtazapine and trazodone are widely prescribed for people with dementia who develop changes in mood and behaviour. There is some evidence that they may help to reduce agitation – particularly citalopram.

Can you give dementia patients antidepressants?

Although data on antidepressant use in dementia is ambiguous, much of the current research suggests that antidepressants don’t work well in people with dementia (unless they have a pre-existing mental health problem). This could be the result of changes to the brain that occur in dementia.

How can you Management medication compliance in a patient with dementia?

In the early stages of Alzheimer’s, the person with dementia may need help remembering to take medications. As a caregiver, you may find it helpful to: Use a pill box organizer. Using a pill box or keeping a daily list or calendar can help ensure medication is taken as prescribed.

Can Alzheimer’s patients take antidepressants?

Moreover, people with Alzheimer’s can often also develop mental health issues, especially depression . For this reason, healthcare professionals may prescribe selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) — a class of antidepressants — to individuals with dementia.

What is the link between dementia and depression?

Co-occurrence of depression and dementia Although depression affects mood, it can also lead to poor memory, poor attention and difficulties making decisions and organising and initiating activities. For a person with dementia, depression not only affects their mood, but may also worsen their symptoms of dementia.

How do you give medication to someone with dementia?

Give them their pills at the same time every day. Do it in the same place, like when they’re relaxing in their favorite chair, and use the same cup for water. For some people, making medication part of their after-meal routine works well because they’re still in “eating mode.”

When do you stop medication for dementia?

Making the decision to stop medication Medication should be reviewed regularly, and continued for as long as the benefits are greater than any side effects. If the person with dementia decides to stop taking a drug, they should speak to the doctor first if possible, or as soon as they can after stopping treatment.

What antidepressant should not be prescribed for patients with Alzheimer disease?

Citalopram, escitalopram, and sertraline (brand names Celexa, Lexapro, and Zoloft, respectively) are often used. Paroxetine (brand name Paxil) is another often-used SSRI, but as it is much more anticholinergic than the other SSRIs, geriatricians would avoid this medication in a person with dementia.

Which antidepressant should be avoided in elderly?

Tricyclic antidepressants, especially amitriptyline and dothiepin,16 are known to pose a high risk of death in overdosage. These drugs should therefore be avoided in older people whose medication is not supervised and who are at risk of taking an overdose.