Her psychiatrist has had her try everything from Risperidol to Abilify to Zyprexa, in extremely small doses due to the risks involved. Most leave her sleepy and the Zyprexa has had the most significant (positive) effect, but she still has episodes of rage (kicking, spitting, punching) that seem to come out of nowhere, or from the slightest trigger, The inconsistency of her behavior is wearing me down and I am tired of continuing to try new meds-this meds merry go round has been going on for almost two years. Am I expecting too much that any of these meds would even her behavior out a bit as opposed to just knocking her out and then when they wear off, having her revert to her non-medicated aggressive self? Should I just be grateful with what the Zyprexa has done which is to control her maybe 60% of the time? Any suggestions are welcome! Thanks
Having to try different medications is common. People react differently to different drugs. Side effects from these drugs often ease over time. Also, after some time on one drug, it may stop working and something new would be needed.
I wish I had better news for you. The best I can do is to advise you to keep working closely with the doctor. Carefully describe how your mother responds to medications, the side effects you see, and let him or her know how often there is a breakthrough.
Take care of yourself, too.
Carol