Is Stelazine Safe And Effective For Teratment Of Vascular Dementia?

Posted on Thu, 4 Dec 2014

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

Thu, 4 Dec 2014 Answered on

Mon, 22 Dec 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : My wife 75, as vascular dementia but in periods of alertness can often communicate with lucidity and humor but because of restlessness, irregular and minimal sleep at night is often nonfunctional during the day when she would like to be stimulated and engaged with others. I've tried a variety of medications with little benefit except perhaps Seroquel. I recently read that 1 mg of Stelazine helps some elderly people with dementia have more restful, deep and more sustained sleep. True or false? Recommended or not? What else?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Stelazine might help. Discuss with your doctor.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I had gone through your question and understand your concerns.

Stelazine is antipsychotic drug. Antipsychotics are used in certain features of Dementia, mainly in its psychotic symptoms like hallucinations, agitation, restlessness. If restlessnes is the cause of your wife's sleep disorder, I think Stelazine in low doses can help improve it and 1mg in the evening should be fine. Please discuss regarding this with your doctor before starting the drug.

Hope this answers your question. If you have additional questions or follow up questions then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your questions.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari