Expert: Michalene Peticca - 2/6/2009

Question
My mother, age 82, has been suffering for several  years, first with short-term memory loss--then with 9 out of 10 of the signs of alzheimers disease.  We have been attempting to get her to discuss this with her family physician, but she is reluctant.  In the meantime, we keep her extremely active and socially involved.

My question is this:  She has been on triavil for many  years because of a mental breakdown when she was in her early 20's.  The triavil has kept her pretty healthy mentally throughout the years.
I have read that triavil is a drug that should not be given to elderly people with memory loss.  I am afraid that if we withdraw it, she would spiral downward.  Also, could this drug be combined with one such as aricept, or would they act against one another.  She only currently takes one triavil per day.  If the Dr. would increase that to two per day, could that help her feel better in the evening hours?  Thank you.

Answer
Hello Donna,

I am sincerely apologetic for my tardiness in writing.  

Triavil is a Barbiturate and Analgesic combination that most likely was a precursor to current anti-anxiety medications.  

I am not familiar with it's titrate properties; however, "modern" anti-anxiety medications do pose a strong negative side effect when discontinued immediately.  And yes, generally, most anti-anxiety medications are not recommend for Dementia disorders because they inhibit the Serontonin uptake which will actually slow the brain "process" further.

However, i suggest you talk with a neurologist regarding this matter and perhaps he/she can be able to help you further.

Thanks for writing!

Best Regards,
Michalene Peticca, M.A.