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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is It Safe To Take The Medicine That Has Not Been Approved?

Hello Doctor My name Angela and my mother has dementia and her doctor has her on Quetiapine to keep her from getting so upset and to help her sleep at night. I did some research on the medicine and it said it has not been approved for dementia patients should she be taking it.
Fri, 7 Apr 2017
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

This would be called off label use. There are many medications though specifically not recommended for a specific condition, have been found to be helpful in that area and are therefore used as treatment.

This is the case for a wide range of medications eg there are medications for seizures or depression that are used for nerve related pain.
Medications for anxiety and depression that are used to help men who have premature ejaculation.
Anti histamines for dizziness and sedation etc

It is not an unusual to use meds for other reasons but if you are concerned, you can speak to her doctor for clarification.
If she has problematic side effects then the medication can be discontinued.

It can cause drowsiness so it would help with sleeping and may also have a mood stabilizing effect as well.

I hope this helps
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Is It Safe To Take The Medicine That Has Not Been Approved?

HI, thanks for using healthcare magic This would be called off label use. There are many medications though specifically not recommended for a specific condition, have been found to be helpful in that area and are therefore used as treatment. This is the case for a wide range of medications eg there are medications for seizures or depression that are used for nerve related pain. Medications for anxiety and depression that are used to help men who have premature ejaculation. Anti histamines for dizziness and sedation etc It is not an unusual to use meds for other reasons but if you are concerned, you can speak to her doctor for clarification. If she has problematic side effects then the medication can be discontinued. It can cause drowsiness so it would help with sleeping and may also have a mood stabilizing effect as well. I hope this helps