Is Hydroxyzine Pamoate Safe To Take Daily By An Elderly Patient?

Posted on Wed, 25 Oct 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 25 Oct 2017 Answered on

Fri, 24 Nov 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : my mother while temperately in the care of my sister ( 1 Month) she had her put on 3 mood altering Rx's and stopped giving her Namenda xr 28 which she has taken for years. the meds added were hydroxyine 25mg, hydroxzine pamoate 50mg and pliva 433. she does have mild dementia (severe forgetfulness) and i have never (after caring for her for over 8 years) felt the need for mood altering drugs. While taking these she mainly sat and slept not getting the exercise she needs
my question is why have her on these pills on a daily basis and not something like buspirone as needed only. i have stopped giving her the sleepy drugs for 30 days and there have been no ill mood results. back to normal sleep cycle and walking more. i fear that these new drugs are an unnecciary risk to her overall health. whats your opion ???

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.

Hydroxyzine and trazodone are medications used to help with sleep. They are not mood-altering. If your mother is sleeping well without need for these medications, that is great, she can continue as-is.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad