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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Squiggles on August 21, 2006, at 11:26:17
I am concerned about the number of
tranquillizers and antidepressants
that are being liberally prescribed
to octagenerians. At this age, people
become concerned and frightened by
symptoms which they interpret as
morbid. Everyone is afraid of death.
However, the ADs and tranquillizers
may cause further withdrawals or
side effects, especially when drs. are
not there to oversee how they are taken,
if they are forgotten, whether there is
withdrawal or overdose, if motor skills
are watched, etc. I am not talking about
Alzheimer's and such degenerative diseases
of old age.The word of the doctor is like the word
or God for some seniors who have multiple
disabilities, and there is not much I can
do as a simple layman when I *see* what
the doctors do not - e.g. withdrawal confused
for brain tumour, car accidents from
sedative-induced sleepiness, etc.I am not suggesting that all doctors are
ignorant, but I fear that the laissez-faire
attitude of some in prescribing psychiatric
drugs at this age, amounts to a pacifier
for whaqt are legitimate complaints of the human
condition, near the end of life.I hope doctors get a course in geriatric
medicine. Maybe Dr. Bob can open up
a file here.Thanks for reading.
Squiggles
Posted by Phillipa on August 21, 2006, at 12:33:48
In reply to Is psychiatric medication of seniors too casual?, posted by Squiggles on August 21, 2006, at 11:26:17
What age do you consider senior? Love Phillipa ps nursing home or functional elders who may have just lost their partner.
Posted by Squiggles on August 21, 2006, at 12:41:37
In reply to Re: Is psychiatric medication of seniors too casual? » Squiggles, posted by Phillipa on August 21, 2006, at 12:33:48
> What age do you consider senior? Love Phillipa ps nursing home or functional elders who may have just lost their partner.
Good question, as not everyone ages at the
same rate or has the same disabilities at the
same age. In general though, people who
enter their eighties are more vulnerable to
slow metabolism of drug use - esp. sedatives.
I'm not saying that seniors should not take
drugs, but I do think that they are prescribed
at that age, without any more attention than
people in their 40s and 50s. It would be nice
if hospitals or pharmaceutical companies could
supplement "medicines" with classes or sessions
on how to cope with the emotional and practical
problems for people entering the last stages
of their life.Hey, I'm a boomer - I hope the drug companies
are listening or else they're going to have
to go into the Boomer Body Bag Biz. :-)Squiggles
Posted by Phillipa on August 21, 2006, at 13:13:29
In reply to Re: Is psychiatric medication of seniors too casua » Phillipa, posted by Squiggles on August 21, 2006, at 12:41:37
I'm a boomer too first year. And you had me scared. So I'm not elderly? As there are so many posters in their 20's. Thanks and Babblemail anytime and I'll give you my e-mail if you like. Us oldsters have to stick together. Love Phillipa
This is the end of the thread.
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