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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can Ativan Be Continued For Agitation And Dementia?

I have an 87 year old mother-in-law in a acute nursing facility. She is in the facility for physical rehab so she can move around for herself. My question is What can we do to keep her calm while at the facility? She gets agitated, combative and is going through some early stages of dementia. The facility wants to discharge her but she has not completed her therapy. Her doctor has prescribed Ativan but stopped as soon as she calmed down. Can we continue this drug treatment?
Fri, 29 Jun 2018
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service.
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

I do not think ativan is great medication for elderly person. This may help to some extent but continuing it beyond the requirement may bring plethora of problems including cognitive impairment, falls and fractures, confusion, sedation among others.

In my opinion the ativan should stopped when instructed by her doctor.

Hope I have answered your query.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
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Can Ativan Be Continued For Agitation And Dementia?

Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. I do not think ativan is great medication for elderly person. This may help to some extent but continuing it beyond the requirement may bring plethora of problems including cognitive impairment, falls and fractures, confusion, sedation among others. In my opinion the ativan should stopped when instructed by her doctor. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.