FTD

Anyone tried Trazadone for agitation, depression and apathy, apparently one of the few drugs that is ok to take with FTD ?

[Kevin_1]

Hi

I don't know much about FTD, but I can comment on meds.

Trazodone is a Benzodiazepine. Normally Benzodiazepine is addictive. Our Consultant Neurologist (one of the top UK specialists in PSP / CBD) observed that people with PSP and CBD did not appear to become addicted. It might be the same with FTD.

Trazodone has a half life of 10-12 hours. That means that after that time there is still 50% of the dose still in the blood stream. This is a good long half life for a benzo. It means that lower doses can be given less often.

Carbamazepine is another good choice with a half life of 10-20 hours.

I do not know if the other benzodiazepines are suitable for FTD.

Just some background info.

Wishing you the best.

Kevin

[daddyt]

Kevin's has a good response to your query. Best to check with your doctor first. I have the FTbv1 - behavioural variant with my diagnosis of PSP-P. T he neurologist tried an Alzheimer's med... didn't work very well. My neuro-psychiatrist has me on two different antidepressants and clonazapine that seem to work better - not perfect. I still experience bouts of braincaitions and cerebral flatulence.

Tim

[Cuttercat]

We used Trazodone and it helped tremendously. I would definitely look into it. I

I'm not familiar with FTD but as Kevin mentioned these drugs are worth a try.

At this point addiction is not an issue. The morphine was addictive and we weaned him off it and put him on the Trazadone.

His last six months were better because of it.

Cuttercat

[Drjazz]

I have FTD and I take Trazodone. Maybe a huge improvement in my life. I can sleep really well, no longer anxious all the time. Has no effect on the long term prognosis for the disease, unfortunately.

[Hidden in reply to Drjazz]

Could you tell me more about your FTD and what showed up first ... do you have a lot of apathy ?

[Drjazz]

I have FTD along with CBD. The beginning was a huge anxiety attack, that lasted for weeks, which was treated as an emotional problem with anxiety meds. Then I begin having what I called brain freezes, where I was trying to do something and would just get stuck. At the same time, I began to have trouble walking, which was the CBD kicking in. I have attacks of apathy, where just moving off the couch seems like an extreme effort. I can sit and do nothing for a very long time. I have to make an effort to keep myself occupied (my wife helps a lot with that).

The CBD seems to be progressing faster than the cognitive problems. Now my manual dexterity is going away and my postural muscles are getting stiff. I seem to have made my peace with it all, somehow. Just do what I can, and don't worry about the rest.

Are you asking for a loved one or yourself?

[Hidden in reply to Drjazz]

I'm so sorry, it's an awful disease .... I have bvFTD, lots of empathy and hard to get motivated like you (so want to but really CANT) moments of pure agitation and frustration because I can't do what I used to do ... think I will try the Trazodone ...

[Drjazz in reply to Hidden]

Worked well for me.

[Hidden in reply to Drjazz]

How long were you taking it before you felt results ?

[Drjazz]

I began sleeping better immediately, the anxiety faded after a couple of weeks.

[Hidden]

Thanks so much for all your help

[Hidden]

I know someone that has taken it for 1 year... helps with sleep. Check the out side effects with your doctor. Sending hugs... Granni B