The nursing home is telling my Mothers primary care doctor that she is depressed and needs depression meds. I can tell she is taking them because she is not herself and is very disoriented and can hardly talk at times. They have convinced her she is depressed and needs to take them even when she disagrees when them. I have tried talking to her doctor and the nursing home but they continue to tell me she needs them. I have also told her to tell them she doesn't want to take them, but they continue to talk her into it. Should I pursue this? Does anyone else have this problem with nursing home staff?
You thought "as needed" meant for panic attacks (probably because that is what the doctor intended) but the respite care place thought it meant for something else (probably anxiety).
grrrrr....
The correct drug in the correct dose will not make her disoriented or unable to talk. Getting the correct drug/dose is often a trial-and-error adventure, not because the doctor is incompetent but because of the great variability from one person to the next.
Pursue this. Point out the side effects. Be polite but firm. Assume that the NH and the doctor both have the same goal you do: your mother's welfare. This medication does not seem to you to be contributing to that, so discussions are in order.
When I came back they had filled it and was giving her 3 a day. I told them I only use that for panic attacks (and she thinks she is having a heart attack) and they told me I should consider giving it to her daily as she "tolerates" it well. It makes her wacky if she doesn't need it. I told them she would not be taking it daily. I think some want to have them sleep all day so it is easier on them.