Dad given Zyprexa after stroke

Myshelle
Myshelleon Sunday, June 9 2019
2 Comments

Hello, my dad 89 had his stroke 2 months ago and is now in a aged`care`home.

A problem with him  waking up and calling out during the night has been recurring and I was asked if I minded something for dad to sleep.I was shocked to find Zyprexa a anti psychotic was given.

I feel this has affected`his speech which was greatly improved, and now he sleeps most of the day. He is also having vivid dreams which he believes actually happened.

I was told this morning that this medication  has not solved the waking and calling out problem. I have asked to speak to his DR to have this medication stopped.

I remain open minded about dad needing something but it is the what he could be prescribed i need help with. 

2 Responses
StrokeLine avatar
StrokeLine

Hi Myselle

Thank you for reaching out to us on EnableMe.  I’m sorry to hear that your dad has been having hallucinations since his stroke.

 

I have attached a link here that talks a little bit more about antipsychotic medications that you can use to facilitate the conversation with your dad’s GP.  https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/ConditionsAndTreatments/antipsychotic-medications?viewAsPdf=true  You are absolutely right that Zypreza belongs to a group of drugs called antipsychotics.  I would encourage you to talk to your dads GP to discuss how medications such as Zypreza work to influence sleeping patterns, hallucinations and talk about what side effects to expect.  When starting medications of this nature, keep in mind that it can take some weeks for the drugs to take effect and a carefully considered approach to changing or stopping medications should be taken. 

 

After stroke, changes in sleeping patterns, thinking, memory and behavior are common.  Health professionals such as an occupational therapist, speech therapist and neuropsychologist can help to provide advice on developing a daily routine that can help stroke survivors feel more settled during the day and overnight. Have a talk to your dads GP to discuss if this would be useful in your dads case.

 

You sound like an excellent advocate for your dad and it sounds like you are taking the right path to getting good care for your dad.  If you have any further questions at all, please feel free to contact us on StrokeLine 1800 787 653.

 

Carol, StrokeLine

Myshelle avatar
Myshelle

Thank you Carol for your advice. I am endeavoring to get this problem addressed.

Michelle.

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