Post by Neo on Jan 19, 2005 21:27:17 GMT -5
Attributed to Norbert
FAQ17 - haloperidol (Haldol) 05/29/04 09:25 PM
Haldol is a terrible drug for people with dementia.
Risks:
High risk of Extra pyramidal symptoms (EPS) which mimic Parkinson’s disease (slowed movements, tremor, rigid muscles, shuffling walk, drooling and a mask-like expression).
High risk of Tardive diskinesia (TD) (involuntary movements of arms, legs and tongue)
Anticholinergic effects – (memory impairment, confusion, slowed thinking, blurred vision, urinary retention, constipation, dry mouth)
Also causes akathesia - motor restlessness and inability to sit still.
A unique problem of Haldol is permanent facial ticks - they don't stop after the drug is discontinued. For this reason as much as any other, most doctors don't like to give this drug to dementia patients.
Haldol may be given in the hospital because it acts so quickly, it is cheap, and it can be giving in a number of different ways. But long term use by the dementia patient is inappropriate.
People on this board have experienced increased agitation in their LO when it is used in an on going basis. The increased confusion may be part of the reason for increased agitation it produces - the person has more difficulty understanding their surroundings and coping with stimuli in the environment and during personal care.
Haldol is a first generation antipsychotic. The second generation "atypical" antipsychotics are more appropriate. Three of the atypicals usually used are seroquel, Zyprexa or Risperdal. Seroquel is milder with a more benign side effect profile, and should be used unless a stronger med is required.
Norbert
FAQ17 - haloperidol (Haldol) 05/29/04 09:25 PM
Haldol is a terrible drug for people with dementia.
Risks:
High risk of Extra pyramidal symptoms (EPS) which mimic Parkinson’s disease (slowed movements, tremor, rigid muscles, shuffling walk, drooling and a mask-like expression).
High risk of Tardive diskinesia (TD) (involuntary movements of arms, legs and tongue)
Anticholinergic effects – (memory impairment, confusion, slowed thinking, blurred vision, urinary retention, constipation, dry mouth)
Also causes akathesia - motor restlessness and inability to sit still.
A unique problem of Haldol is permanent facial ticks - they don't stop after the drug is discontinued. For this reason as much as any other, most doctors don't like to give this drug to dementia patients.
Haldol may be given in the hospital because it acts so quickly, it is cheap, and it can be giving in a number of different ways. But long term use by the dementia patient is inappropriate.
People on this board have experienced increased agitation in their LO when it is used in an on going basis. The increased confusion may be part of the reason for increased agitation it produces - the person has more difficulty understanding their surroundings and coping with stimuli in the environment and during personal care.
Haldol is a first generation antipsychotic. The second generation "atypical" antipsychotics are more appropriate. Three of the atypicals usually used are seroquel, Zyprexa or Risperdal. Seroquel is milder with a more benign side effect profile, and should be used unless a stronger med is required.
Norbert
