lorazepam effect in elderly

[Eaka]

my father (89) has just been prescribed Lorazepam- he has dementia and has nightmares at night and poor sleep. The lorazepam seems to help him sleep but he’s in a terrible state during the day, very disoriented and depressed- he’s been on it 4 days and I’m worried - my question is should he keep taking it? I’m willing to try if these effects settle down but hate to see him in such a state. Thank you 😊

[Agora1]

Hi Eaka, unfortunately, we can't answer questions on medication since we are not

doctors. However, you have every right to be concerned about your father (89) being

on a benzo that may react differently in the elderly. Please run that question by your

prescribing physician or your pharmacist. My concerns are of him falling due to his

disorientation and dementia. Welcome to the HU forum xx

[Eaka]

bless you thank you 🙏

[Loughborough53]

why don’t they give him a sleeping tablet. These drugs are addictive and the medical profession are trying to get people off them! And they are having a terrible time , I including me,

[Eaka in reply to Loughborough53]

ah I’m so sorry to hear that - thank you though for your comment

[Dolphin14]

As Agora1 states we can't give medical information.

Based on experience this is really not the drug of choice for the elderly. I imagine it's risk versus benefit in his case?

Only you and your Dr know what's best for him. Anything you see should be reported and weighed with his medical history,

Please speak to your dad's MD and best of luck

🐬

[NIKKIWOOD]

As others have said, you really need to speak to your father's doc, since each individual can be very different. That said, I have been taking lorazepam for something like 3 years now (prescribed by my palliative care doc) for sleep, and I am doing fine.

[Babe1213]

Hi, I have been reading through the other comments and totally agree with all that has been said, and as usual am impressed with the way certain people are so ready and willing to help others in distress. The only thing I would like to add to this is please do NOT stop your dad's Lorazepam - until you have spoken to his doctor - they are highly addictive, and whilst he has been on them for just a short while, there is not enough evidence showing how he will react to a sudden stop. Just thought also of something else, I am not a medic, but for many years I was a Christian Chaplain in an elderly persons care home, and spent many hours with people with dementia, the symptoms you have described are normal for this type of condition, and need careful handling - many people in care homes are given powerful drugs to keep them from wandering off, but the down side of this is that they become more locked into their own world. I feel this could be a hard time for you and anyone else who is caring for your dad. Do please get back to any of us if any of you need to offload. I shall uphold you in prayer.

[Eaka in reply to Babe1213]

that’s so kind of you to reply - and very good advice - I agree, with it’s about weighing up how to keep things calm for my father as he has a history of “lively” behaviour. Thank you so much

[murryriver]

Hello Eaka , Im seventy eight and am on lorazepam and have been for about a year and its helped me sleep and so far no side affects and no panic attacks . Hope this helps ease your concerns.

[Jumpy917]

My dad, 82, has been on it for 2 and a half years for his anxiety and essential tremor. He sleeps all day and then can’t at night. After talking to a second doctor about it we are trying to reduce it. How is your dad getting on now? Has he stopped taking it? What did his doctor advise?