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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Lamdage22 on September 20, 2014, at 8:10:36
My Mom needs sth. for sleep mostly and mild to moderate depression.
She is 67 years old.
Posted by Phillipa on September 20, 2014, at 9:45:48
In reply to Mirtazapine safe for elderly?, posted by Lamdage22 on September 20, 2014, at 8:10:36
I took it when in late 50's just didn't make me tired. Was also taking benzos at that time I couldn't sleep on anything. Now at 68 I take low doses of benzos. Does your Mom have any other medical problems? Take any other meds? I see no reason for her to not try this med. Phillipa
Posted by Lamdage22 on September 20, 2014, at 10:13:12
In reply to Re: Mirtazapine safe for elderly? » Lamdage22, posted by Phillipa on September 20, 2014, at 9:45:48
Hmm a bunch of allergies and lactose intolerance.
Back pain. Thats about it i think.
Posted by linkadge on September 20, 2014, at 13:18:29
In reply to Re: Mirtazapine safe for elderly?, posted by Lamdage22 on September 20, 2014, at 10:13:12
Probably much safer than some of the alternatives that are used (i.e. Seroquel, Risperdal etc).
I would not use more than 7.5mg. In fact, I find even 3.75mg very sedating.
Another option might be trazodone. Amitriptyline, in very low doses might help. Higher doses can cause memory problems.
Linkadge
Posted by Lamdage22 on September 21, 2014, at 4:05:53
In reply to Re: Mirtazapine safe for elderly?, posted by linkadge on September 20, 2014, at 13:18:29
> Probably much safer than some of the alternatives that are used (i.e. Seroquel, Risperdal etc).
>
> I would not use more than 7.5mg. In fact, I find even 3.75mg very sedating.
>
> Another option might be trazodone. Amitriptyline, in very low doses might help. Higher doses can cause memory problems.
>
> LinkadgeA low dose might be all she needs...
Posted by Marcus Cicero on October 11, 2014, at 0:52:06
In reply to Mirtazapine safe for elderly?, posted by Lamdage22 on September 20, 2014, at 8:10:36
I find that the very small dose of 3.75mg really does the trick nicely for a good night's sleep. Would do nothing for depression at that dose, but is superior to things like Ambien, etc, and at such a small dose, if taken early enough at night, will have no lingering effects into the next day. You have to use a pill cutter to arrive at that dose.
I'm nearly 59. I wouldn't see any issue for the elderly at a really low dose for sleep.
YMMV.
This is the end of the thread.
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