Mom on medication for extreme aggression, but still has periodic violent outbursts. Is this to be expected no matter what?

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katergran Asked January 2013

Mom on medication for extreme aggression, but still has periodic violent outbursts. Is this to be expected no matter what?

Her psychiatrist has had her try everything from Risperidol to Abilify to Zyprexa, in extremely small doses due to the risks involved. Most leave her sleepy and the Zyprexa has had the most significant (positive) effect, but she still has episodes of rage (kicking, spitting, punching) that seem to come out of nowhere, or from the slightest trigger, The inconsistency of her behavior is wearing me down and I am tired of continuing to try new meds-this meds merry go round has been going on for almost two years. Am I expecting too much that any of these meds would even her behavior out a bit as opposed to just knocking her out and then when they wear off, having her revert to her non-medicated aggressive self? Should I just be grateful with what the Zyprexa has done which is to control her maybe 60% of the time? Any suggestions are welcome! Thanks

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score 0 · Answer 1

This is frustrating and wearing, I know. However, you may be expecting the medications to do more than they can. Getting some relief is nice, but side effects are almost guaranteed, so sometimes we have to look for "the cleanest dirty shirt." Meaning, what helps the most with the fewest side effects is what we choose.
Having to try different medications is common. People react differently to different drugs. Side effects from these drugs often ease over time. Also, after some time on one drug, it may stop working and something new would be needed.
I wish I had better news for you. The best I can do is to advise you to keep working closely with the doctor. Carefully describe how your mother responds to medications, the side effects you see, and let him or her know how often there is a breakthrough.
Take care of yourself, too.
Carol

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Thanks for the advice, Carol. Her psychiatrist has pretty much said the same thing to me, and has pointed out that her baseline personality (which has always been a bit cranky) will still come through most of the time no matter what she is on. I guess I will be grateful for what the current meds are doing. Really appreciate your feedback!

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Mom on medication for extreme aggression, but still has periodic violent outbursts. Is this to be expected no matter what?

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