Dear Catmama, Rexulti is the only medication of this class approved by the FDA for people with dementia. The other frequently used and often better tolerated with fewer SE for many is Seroquel/Quetiapine. It's positive effect on behavioral and psychotic symptoms is well documented for all types of dementia and Lewy Body or Parkinson's. One advantage of Seroquel is that it doesn't interact negatively with many of the medications our LO's may be on. It still has side effects like sedation, possible TD (tardive dyskinesia) usually at high doses for a prolonged time, and the most serious "black box" warning of possible increased risk of death from a variety of complications like stroke but if you read the FDA insert information this risk is rare if the person is dosed with a very low starting dose and very gradually increasing if necessary. I used this frequently in my psychiatric practice without incident. My husband is now on 25 MGM AM and 50 MGM PM. It has made a tremendous positive difference in his anxiety, agitation and anger. His primary SE is increased appetite with a 10 lb weight gain over 2 years. I'm not prescribing or trying to give medical advice just sharing information. Yes I would talk to the MD/ Neurologist about this issue. Everyone responds uniquely to each medication and your LO's medical status and medications already on are big factors. Sending support. Take care.

Haldol is a first generation, old drug that while still used, can be replaced by cleaner more specific antipsychotic/major tranquilizer meds. I'm amazed it's still being utilized so frequently for our LO's with dementia. Sorry for the horrible experiences many of you experienced. Care in ER's should be of a much higher quality, especially for the elderly and anyone with dementia.

My FIL was on Haldol in 1990 until he passed away in 1993. He was basically a vegetable on top of his Alzheimer's. This is a drug I absolutely abhor. It should be stricken from the list.

Bob was put on Seroquel for a few days at the beginning of the summer but this switched to Respiradol which has worked brilliantly for him, although he seems to be more sleepy. I will take that over the outbursts.

@A myALZteam Member
What a sad trade off. I always marvel that there are not more humane alternatives for our loved ones.

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A myALZte...

Dear SheliaGuest, So happy you and his MD's found the right med for Bob. Sometimes it takes several trials to get it right. Hope things continue to be more peaceful for you both.