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Thanks CapeCodMermaid. :monkeydance: The doctor had told me last year to limit her fluids because of her CHF. However, I remember they said that it is important for a patient to drink a lot of water when on lithium. I also remember saying that they have to check the blood of lithium patients frequently. I don't think Mom is going to allow anyone to take her blood frequently. When I worked in LTC, I never had a doctor order lithium for anxiety. I don't know what's going on.:uhoh21:
lithium...no. take her to another doctor. me personally i would not give it to my mom. of course you know as we age our body slows down and lithium is a medication that does require lots of fluids . because the elderly is at risk for dehydration and because her body is slowing down you are looking at some serious side effects. elderly folks can get great benefits from taking ativan or xanax as as needed drug for anxiety...oh and yes, my husband takes lithium for bi-polar...
Preliminary evidence suggests that buspirone may be a good nonsedating alternative to treat Alzheimer's disease patients with persistent anxiety symptoms and agitation–aggression. Effective doses reported range from 15 to 60 mg/day is generally well-tolerated.
problems are not the problem, but the problem is in trying to to cope with problems on our own and with our own resources and in our own strenght, or weaknesses. with the help of the lord we can handle its challanges and heartaches. but the good news is that we have- the good shepherd- to walk with us alongs life way. you have nothing to worry about cast your cares on God and he ll lift the burden for your sake....
my mother who is 81 was going through some anxiety problems, although she doesn't have alzheimers. We decided to make sure she had a good multi vitamin/mineral qd, 50-100 mg. B complex bid, 600 mg calcium with 250 mg magnesium and 400 iu vitamin D bid, 1 g of omega 3 fish oil tid. After 2 weeks, she was much more relaxed and started sleeping better because of the calcium/mag before bedtime. She also took 60 mg ginko biloba bid, this really helped her memory!!
I am rather surprised that no one has suggested any benzodiazepines to help with the anxiety.
There are many patients who have concurrent diagnoses of CHF and Alzheimer's disease at the LTCF where I am employed. The vast majority of these elderly residents are on some type of PRN benzodiazepine for anxiety such as Ativan, Xanax, Klonopin, or Valium. Many receive Restoril at bedtime for a peaceful, uninterrupted sleep.
benzos are not the first choice for elderly people because of the increased risk of sedation with subsequent falls.
valium is on the beers' list and should not be used in elderly people
(shouldn't be used by anyone...it's a really bad drug). you can get cited by dph under the new medication tag if you are using a drug from the beers' list without a very good risk vs benefit note from the doc.
Blackcat99
2,836 Posts
My 85 year old mom has CHF and alzheimer's. Mom has a lot of anxiety so I asked the doctor if she could have meds for anxiety. The doctor ordered zoloft and that didn't help. Now the doctor is trying lithium for mom's anxiety???? Does this sound like a normal order or does Mom need a new doctor? Please let me know what you think. Thanks