AboutMary E Scott, RPh, CGP Expertise I am a certified geriatric pharmacist with over 23 years experience as a long-term care consultant to nursing homes. I also do community-based consulting on an individual basis. My facility-based monthly newsletter on pharmacy topics is read by nurses in over 200 long-term care facilities in 5 states.
Experience I received a BS in Pharmacy in 1980 with post-graduate work in public health. I have had a Consultant Pharmacist license since 1984.
Organizations American Society of Consultant Pharmacists .I received certification in geriatric pharmacy in 1998.
Question My 82 year old father was given Benadryl 25mg 7am
and Xanax 0.25mg at 9am 06-22-06.
At 6:30pm he was still sedated and was not lucid
at all. I could not get him to eat his dinner.
Based on just this info would he be in state due
to these 2 drugs almost 12 hours later?
Thank for your insights.
Travis
Answer Hi,Travis!
First of all, Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is not recommended for use in persons over 65 yrs of age because it is not metabolized as quickly,causing drowsiness,and,if used on a continuous basis, cognitive problems that may look like dementia. If he is taking it for an allergic reaction or for itching there are non-sedating antihistamines available that work as well but with none of these effects(Claritin,Allegra).
The dose of Xanax you mentioned is not excessive,but when given within 2 hrs of the Benadryl can cause a cumulative effect,especially if he hadn't taken Xanax before.
I would question why he was prescribed these meds so close together,and that early in the day.
Other medications he is taking should also be factored into the equation. If you want to email back with his list of meds,vitamins,herbal meds,etc,I can look it over for you. I would need to know if he has any kidney problems, also.Hope this helps,Mary
