Pat, After some doing I finally convinced our Dr. that Ken did better on the lower dosage, and that is how it remained until we discontinued it. We re-introduced the full 9.6 mg at one point and his 'overdrugged' behavior returned. I mentioned that to several Neurologists during our many appointments for testing, etc. and all of them replied that Exelon had never had any documentation to the sort, but I know what I know and I know my husband's behaviors best. Sher

Sher,
I just was looking through the RX drug site and I stumbled onto the overdose section and I have included that for you to see also and perhaps for your Ken the high amount is an over dose ???? Just food for thought !




http://www.rxlist.com/exelon-drug.htm

There is a warning with every patch of Exelon that you should not apply more than one patch as application of multiple patches has caused several deaths. I guess that would be an overdose. Nan

When Derek first went into the SNF, one day I noticed that his old patch had been left on with the new one applied! Of course, I cautioned them about it and it hasn't happened since. I think the problem was that they were doing the chest and upper arms as well as his back [as per the instructions] and they just didn't see it. I told them that for years I had just been using his back and working across from left to right, top to bottom and always cleaning the spot where the old one was taken off. They've been doing it that way since--it's easier for them and it's less apt to get missed.

Nan,
Yes I realize that but my point was because the LBD'ers has such issues with all kinds of drugs perhaps the higher dose reacts like a overdose.

I was responding to the comment that someone's doctor made that he had never heard of an overdose with Exelon. I think death is probably an overdose. But you are right, Irene. What is a moderate dose for one person is too much for another. There are overdoses even with standard dosing. Everone metabolizes a little differently. The older you get, the more the standard dose for a younger person becomes too much for an older person.

Smiles, Nan

Irene,
I'm not sure that what Ken did with the higher dosage was the same as overdose (and isn't all of that just plain scary?). He would kind of just shut down, in a different way than usual, that probably only I could detect. When we lowered the dosage that didn't happen. BTW re: leaving the patches on- it happened to Ken several times when he was in the nursing facility. One nurse would put one on his arm without removing the one on his back and visa-versa. It makes me wonder how patients without family to monitor them live through the many mix-ups that seem to happen in these facilities. One day at a time! Sher

Sher - good point. For many years I've believed that a person in a hospital needs an advocate with them 24/7 or as much as possible. Care facilities, same thing. We can't be there all day every day, but checking up on our LOs care in their new "home" is essential. Even the best of places have screw ups in meds, care, you name it. We have to advocate for the best care they can possibly get, and we need to politely make our wishes and expectations known to the facility. Lynn