Posted by gardenergirl on December 23, 2003, at 9:57:25
In reply to Antipsychotics to treat elderly pain med delerium , posted by kotsunega on December 22, 2003, at 22:22:41
Sorry to hear about your mother-in-law. Chronic pain in the elderly is a real problem, and the aged respond differently to medications, including multiple medications. Perhaps there is a geriatrician or a geropsychiatrist who could consult? From what I have learned in school (in a program with a gero focus), it's best to start low and go slow with any medication with the elderly. It's possible that she might be getting too much pain meds or the wrong kind. They may also be interacting with something else she is on. She may also be dehydrated or have a urinary tract infection. There's a lot to rule out when looking at acute delirium and/or psychosis in the aged.
I'll keep her and your family in my prayers.
poster:gardenergirl
thread:292584
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20031219/msgs/292742.html