Making The Right Call

April 4, 2010

Dad is aware that something isn’t right but he can’t pinpoint it. One major change we are making is backing down his sleeping meds and his anti-anxiety meds. He sleeps the majority of the time and I can’t help feeling that it is because of these 2 drugs he is taking. I have to urge anyone who is thinking of making a similar change to discuss it with your physician. NEVER make a med change without medical guidance it can be extremely dangerous!

On the subject of medication, do yourself a favor and get to know the meds. I research every new medication. I want to know side effects, drug interactions, how long it takes to get into the system and how long it takes to get out. With each new prescription I ask the doctor what it is being used to treat specifically. This can be essential because many drugs are used to treat different things.
Watch for possible side effects, remember, a demented mind can’t necessarily distinguish how they are feeling. They have to count on you to make judgment calls for them every day. Some days, you may only get one chance to make the right call. It is a heavy responsibility. You have to be their eyes… and ears… and memory…