Looking to LEARN about anti depressants and elderly

[Shackelton]

Hi there~

I'm here for my 85 year old mom who is having a hell of a time...I'm trying to learn about anti depressants w elderly and in general as thus far, they seem to be making her MORE anxiety ridden and a first time panic sufferer. She's presently on 22.5 mgs of mirtzapinne/ Remeron and it has made her more confused and frustrated...Me too .

[Amz1987]

How long has she been on it for?

This is what I have learned from this site, it can take a few weeks for full effects, the 1st couple of weeks can feel worse as the brain adjusts before feeling better. Some people need to change to a different type to find the right one for them.

How is your mum, if it’s ok why is she feeling so down? There could be other things to try along with her meds to help her feel better x

[Shackelton in reply to Amz1987]

Around 8 months. She did ok at 7.5 but 15 , 30 and now 22.5, all seem to give her more panic. She shad the blood sugar ravenous feeling on lexipro too... it coincided with shaking that lightly started one week in, then full blown shaking hands and panic within 3.5 - 4 weeks.

[Amz1987 in reply to Shackelton]

Poor love, definitely not pleasant side effects. At 8 months I’d think things should be improving by now. She could either ask to drop back to the lower dose or start again on another type. Is she able to speak with a psychologist at all, she might benefit from that too.

[Hidden in reply to Shackelton]

I was prescribed Remeron about a week ago and had severe reactions to it. So severe that I can't take it anymore. I now have to wait for it to work itself through my system. This is so frustrating.

[Shackelton in reply to Amz1987]

Thanks for responding !!

[Dolphin14]

Some of these meds are just too much for the elderly. Watch her closely. Get in touch with the MD with any concerns

What type of md is prescribing?

[Want2BHappy3]

First does your mom have altzheimer or dementia? I saw a program that anti depression Medication can make those conditions WORSE. I was on Mirtazapine Only, it worked good for me, not everything works for everyone. You maybe need to switch Medication, I've done that several times. And if they Won't switch doctors?