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What Causes Slurred Speech While On Medication For Bipolar Disorder And Schizophrenia?
My mother is 80 years old and we had noticed lately that she has had slurred speech and is moving slower. We looked at her medications and see she is taking Trazodone and Olanzapine. After looking up what these medications are for we discovered Trazodone is an antidepressant and Olanzapine is for bi-polar and scitzophrenia (sp). She is not either of those. Can she quit taking either of these meds cold turkey. I am in the process of finding her another doctor.
posted on
Thu, 11 Dec 2014
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Tue, 6 Jan 2015
Answered on
Tue, 6 Jan 2015
Last reviewed on
hi,
well it's very imp to know why she is on these medication and consult the doctor before discontinuing any medications, as they may lead to rebound precipitation of symptoms.
Secondly, slurred speech can have varied causes, imp being any brain trauma or haemorrhage which is common at her age. An MRI brain can be done to rule out this cause.
These medication can lead to sedation which can cause slurred speech, which would require dose reduction, however only to be done on advice of the treating consultant.
Also look out for any associated complaints such as confusion, tremors, weakness in limbs, difficulty in walking, a knowledge of which will help a doctor making an accurate diagnosis.
My advice will be to show her to a neurologist for her slurred speech, and consult treating doctor for changes in meds.
welcome with further information and for consultation.
Regards,
Dr Pankaj Borade
well it's very imp to know why she is on these medication and consult the doctor before discontinuing any medications, as they may lead to rebound precipitation of symptoms.
Secondly, slurred speech can have varied causes, imp being any brain trauma or haemorrhage which is common at her age. An MRI brain can be done to rule out this cause.
These medication can lead to sedation which can cause slurred speech, which would require dose reduction, however only to be done on advice of the treating consultant.
Also look out for any associated complaints such as confusion, tremors, weakness in limbs, difficulty in walking, a knowledge of which will help a doctor making an accurate diagnosis.
My advice will be to show her to a neurologist for her slurred speech, and consult treating doctor for changes in meds.
welcome with further information and for consultation.
Regards,
Dr Pankaj Borade
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