Providing effective treatment plans to manage some of the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease can have a dramatic effect on quality of life of both the person with dementia as well as the caregiver. Tranquilizers can be a valuable aid if used therapeutically and monitored closely.
Use of Major and Minor Tranquilizers in Dementia
There are two main groups of tranquilizers, major and minor. Either
group can be used for the treatment and management of symptoms that
interfere with normal functioning. Tranquilizers work well when
people experience different mood states that result from disease or
emotional/psychiatric disturbance. Minor tranquilizers are used, in
general, to treat less severe forms of anxiety and agitation. The
major tranquilizing medications can be used for symptoms such as
severe agitation and anxiety, violence, hostility, psychotic
delusions, uncooperative, hostile or suspicious paranoid
behavior and/or hallucinations. It is the major tranquilizers that are most
frequently prescribed for dementia.
Aims of Tranquilizers treatment for Alzheimer's and
dementia
Minor tranquilizer use in Alzheimer's
Minor tranquilizers are used in Alzheimer's to control anxiety,
agitation and sleep problems when there are no psychotic
features.
Side Effects of Minor Tranquilizers
Side effects include sleepiness, dizziness, headache, depression,
fatigue, blurred vision, nervousness, irritability.
Examples of Minor Tranquilizers
Valium, Tranxene, Ativan, Serax, Librium, Centrax, Restoril,
Halcion.
Medication use as chemical restraint in dementia
Remember tranquilizers, except in extraordinary or emergency
circumstances, should never be used as a chemical restraint.
Challenging behaviors or problem behaviors exhibited by someone with
Alzheimer's often require the help of experts in that field. The use
of medications are just one way of improving the life of someone
with Alzheimer's and their caregivers. Seeking outside help from
healthcare practitioners such as doctors, psychologists,
psychiatrists, mental health nurses, etc, can provide you with
support, give you an independent assessment and evaluation and more
effective treatments. A thoughtful treatment plan that incorporates
activities, medication,and behavioral treatments will be the most
effective. The treatment plans need to be carefully monitored and
respond to the needs of each individual with Alzheimer's disease or
other dementia and his or her family.
01/18/2006
