My grandmother is on 2 antidepresssents and its making her looney?

Question

My grandmother is on Amitriptyline and Paxil. I have been setting up her meds for her and they are both described by a different doctor. I read Amitriptline is also for muscles and pain. She has been dizzy and wants to sleep and just not herself. Could it be shes taking 2 antidepressents? I dont think she needs both of them. Any Suggestions? Thanks

Answer 1

The fact that the meds are prescribed by two different doctors is a big tip-off. Often doctors prescribe without being fully aware of medication their patient may already be taking. In the elderly, particularly, this is a problem because impaired body systems (liver, kidneys) in the elderly can result in rapid buildup and eventual overdose of some drugs. Your grandmother's current doctor should be made aware of ALL of her medications and told of her changes in behavior, and let him take it from there. You are on the right track. Never, however, stop any antidepressant or psychotropic drug suddenly before alerting a doctor....some drugs have to be tapered off, as sudden withdrawal can cause extreme reactions such as convulsions and seizures.

Answer 2

Paxil
Side Effects & Drug Interactions
Asthenia, sweating, nausea, decreased appetite, somnolence, dizziness, insomnia, tremor, nervousness, ejaculatory disturbance, and other male genital disorders.

Your going to find that any prescription drug has its side effect, these are processed medicines that the body sees as a toxin. The reason these medications work is because the cut off the sensation that is causing the problem. this is really not a solution to the problem, it is really just masking the issue. sooner or later the prescription she has will be ineffective, and she will more than likely need a stronger dose, or, the side effects will cause discomfort, she will tell the doctor and he will prescribe anther medication to help with the side effect symptoms. this is a really horrible cycle and is what is common today. The best way she could over come these issues is to cleanse her body. get all the junk out and put good nutrients in her body. I work with patients that have these issues, it is hard to turn around, but it can be done.

check out my cleansing blog, it may help you better understand what to expect from cleansing.

I work with a Naturopathic Doctor, and I see patients all day long, so I do have experience with the medicine side, and the all natural side.

I wish you the best of luck, sending you positive thoughts!

Answer 3

Even if the medications are prescribed by 2 different doctors you need to make sure that all her doctors know exactly what medications she's taking. I'd call one or both of the prescribing docs and explain the symptoms and give them a complete list of her meds. The next time she goes to an appt. be sure to take along ALL her medications so the doctors can see exactly what she's on.

The being dizzy and sleepy could be something completely different, however. The doctors may want to check some other things, like her oxygen levels. My grandmother had congestive heart failure and as it progressed the symptoms included dizziness, sleepiness, and confusion. She had to be put on oxygen.

Answer 4

April, since the meds are from 2 different doctors, they may not know about the other. Talk to your grandmothers doctors and tell them how it makes her feel. It sounds as if they are giving her an adverse reaction. You might ask her doctor about another drug other than paxil, maybe celexa, or something a little milder for her. Why is she taking meds for pain, is she self medicating? She maybe overdosed.

Answer 5

They are commonly prescribed together. Usually the amitriptyline is for something other then depression. She should not take them both at the same time of day. The paxil should be in the morning and the amitriptyline before bed.

Answer 6

I could be that her body just needs time to adjust to the medication. Check with BOTH of her doctors and described the effects she is having.

Answer 7

Besides talking to both doctors...also talk to a pharmacist..they would have a better understanding of drug interaction and can recommend what not to take with what or how to approach your doctors.