zero98

Thank you for your response to the article and I appreciate your feedback on this dangerous drug that is being given to freely to elderly patients.I think we should bring it to doctor's attention when we notice this outburst of behavior and request the affending drug be dc'd.This may ellimate so of the phyicosis that we experience in the aging.

sounds good and to the point but you are also showing graditude and that sets well with people.they like to think they have done something good.and if you ever want to return it will always leave a door open.

The drug Ativan is used quit frequently in the elderly patients because is suppose to be safer for them than other antianxiety medications but from what I have witnessed in the elderly is totally the oposite of reaction than what is desired. One example is my mother who has passed away since,when she was medicated with the drug she went off the wall and restaints where put in place but she managed to get out of them and pull out her I.V. and managed to climb over the foot of the bed.Then she bit one of the nurses trying to get her under control.They called me and wanted me to come and try to see what I could do.I inquired about the medication that was despenced and they informed me it was Ativan,which they had given the night before and had a similer experience.I informed them that I requested that they not give Ativan any more prior to the incident.After the drug was dc'd then she regained her mental status to the former state. Number two: My father-in-law was given the same drug and he became insulting and vulgor actions and language.He went so far as to chew his catheter in to and after he made attempt to pull it out.Needless to say there was blood everywhere.After the drug was dc'd he regained his mental state after a couple of days. Number three:This was a buddy of mine who had heart sugery and didn't do very well.The drug was dispensed and he talked out of his head and tried to leave and didn't know anyone who was family or friend and to this day can't remember most of the hospital stay while in that unit where the medication was being given. I could go on naming individuals who have had similar experiences with this drug.The bad thing is how many people are being diaganoised with a mental conditon when in fact it could be the drug they are on. Check your patient back ground and see how they were doing prior to being hospitalized and if it don't click with what you have now investicate the drugs they are on and question the ones that maybe causing the distubance in their mental condition. This scares me to think how many people are diagnosised with a mental disease when it fact its the side effects of a drug,especially the aging patients. Please leave any remarks. I would love to hear what you think.