Dad had cardiovascular problems (hypertension/atrial fibrillation). I knew nothing about both drugs and I now am very upset that 25 mg Seroquel might have harmed him. I never increased the dose throught two years but I still feel guilty for giving him this tablet as I read it can be very dangerous. Taking into account Your experiences with this drug do You think 25 mg Seroquel might have seriously harmed him? Or is it relatively small dose and that there is a chance he didn't suffer. When it comes to Wellbutrin I have no idea what the psychiatrist thought prescribing him this drug. Dad was at home with me and my mum, was feeling safe (except for sundawning and wandering at nights). I feel awful knowing I have been giving him this psychiatric drugs.
25mg of Seroquel is a tiny dose. If it helped dad get good sleep, it was a good move.
Wellbutrin is often used for elders with sundowning. It is very mild.
It sounds like you attach some stigma to psychiatric drugs. They are tools that can increase the quality of life for folks with dementia and their caregivers. Seems like a win-win to me.
I shout it here often…
Meds are not the enemy.
Psych meds are not designed to kill old people.
Facilities, hospitals and hospice care are not out to kill old people.
In what way do you suspect this medication is being harmful?
Have you read all the literature on this drug and your dad's condition?
Are you the MPOA for your father, and if so have you discussed this medication with his MD?
If you are not MPOA, who is?
If you are looking at the side effects portion of the drug literature I invite you to look at the one for aspirin. If you do it's unlikely you will ever take that or any other pill again.
Hope you can give us more information, and especially about your discussion with your father's physician about medications ordered for him? Do understand we are not MDs. We are lay people who can only guess at your father's medical history, what will work, and what won't.
Wishing you the best.
I find that doctors have no idea how a med will interact with other meds or care about the side effects. They are told by a salesman, this works for such and such. And they get kickbacks for prescribing a certain med. Its good that you advocate for Dad. I did for my Mom too.
Are you trying to look backwards and figure out what went 'wrong'?
There is no upside to doing that. Your dad died because he was old and sick. The seroquel dosage was small (I take 100 mgs at bedtime--have for years) and it really helps me be able to go back to sleep when I awaken). The Wellbutrin is also just an antidepressant and who knows why he was prescribed that? Many elder at the EOL start taking meds that help calm them. My MIL is on several tranqulizers, and I also believe one antidepressant to help with her moods, which are all over the place.
Are you feeling some guilt b/c you think you did something wrong? You didn't. Maybe asking the Drs why each drug was being prescribed at the time--but you can't go back in time and change anything.
I highly doubt that small dose of Seroquel did anyting bad to your dad. Same with the Wellbutrin.
I hope you can grieve your dad's passing appropriately and not beat yourself up over it.
My condolences on your loss.