Hello Friends, for quite sometime my grandfather and grandmother have been struggling with finding a medication combination that works all around. Until now it was either the medication was too strong and completely snowed her, or it wasn't strong enough to control the aggression and paranoia. After some months of trial and error the doctor finally found a combination that worked. So here it is... Zoloft (depression), Seroquel (paranoia/depression), and Lorazepam (sedative-insomnia). She now only takes the lorazepam at night before bed which allows her to sleep through the whole night. The most amazing thing has happened with this combination. She smiles and talks again!! I haven't heard my grandmother talk for the past 3 months. I attribute much of this to the doctor taking her off of Haldol, which I said he should have done a long time ago because it's too strong of an antipsychotic. But I also think that this is a good combination for her in this stage of the disease. She started talking again and making sense with her responses. Her vocabulary has gone down dramatically, but that is a disease related change. She also seems happier and more interested in conversations. Who knows how long these positive effects will last, but for now it seems like a good combo.

I'm glad you found a good combo.
I told them not to give Bill haldol after two days. He was a total zombie on it. Couldn't eat, walk or even sit up in a chair. They switched to ativan as needed, but I told them that didn't work either. If he became extremely violent then use it, but it will keep him down after 1mg, for two days. Now they say to give him an extra seroquel, 25mg, if needed.

Enjoy grandma and take gare of your grandfather.

Thanks for such great specifics, Aitan. I've printed your
post and will keep it for future reference. My Dad was
prescribed Haldol for a very unsettling time he went
through, and it seemed to really help. It was taken in
very small doses, though, and just for a short time.
If ever something longer term is needed, I now have
some options to discuss with the doctor.
Thanks!
Carol

Aitan,

I've also printed your post too just in case. Thanks for all the info. So glad that grandma is doing a bit better. Your grandfather must be thrilled that she is smiling and talking a bit again. How wonderful!

Jackie

Thanks for the update! I'm glad things are better!

Kat