Hi,I am Dr. Andrew Rynne (Family Physician). I will be looking into your question and guiding you through the process. Please write your question below.
My 90 year old Dad recently was in the hospital with pneumonia. One of the medications he routinely took WAS propranolol for essential tremors. The hospitalist changed his medications to carvedilol for blood pressure & gabapentin for the tremors. My Dad is now back at the home, but acting very delusional - making up stories & being confused about reality. He was also on several antibiotics for the pneumonia and he takes trazodone at bedtime - he thinks it is for sleeping, but it is really for depression. Could this change in medicine have brought on this increased confusion, or worsened his dementia, or is something else possibly happening?
Thu, 23 Nov 2017
General & Family Physician, Dr. Hans Maro's Response
carvedilol is an intermediate lipophilic beta-blocker which causes fewer symptoms of the central nervous system compared to propranolol which is a high lipophilic beta-blocker. Beta-blockers with high lipophilic can cross the blood-brain barrier and cause insomnia and confusion. I think the dementia is probably caused by something else.
I find this answer helpful
You found this answer helpful
Note: Get a consultation booked to know more about aging related medical issues. Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
We use cookies in order to offer you most relevant experience and using this website you acknowledge that you have already read and understood our
Privacy Policy
Does Carvedilol Cause Dementia And Confusion?
carvedilol is an intermediate lipophilic beta-blocker which causes fewer symptoms of the central nervous system compared to propranolol which is a high lipophilic beta-blocker. Beta-blockers with high lipophilic can cross the blood-brain barrier and cause insomnia and confusion. I think the dementia is probably caused by something else.