My husband has a prescription for Xanax, as needed, which wipes him out when he takes it. What are the usual meds given to patients with LBD who suffer from anxiety? Are there any that are non-addictive?

Seroquel has helped my husband's anxiety, perhaps because it's caused by his delusions and hallucinations.

Before Lewy, he was the least anxious person I knew. I was the one who worried and became anxious about things but never him.

You might check Dr. Brad Boeve's "Continuum" paper for what recommended treatments for anxiety are. Maybe neurologists start with anti-depressants as many of them are anti-anxiety meds as well?

My mother was having huge problems with anxiety when taking (regularly scheduled) Effexor XR and citalopram for depression and (PRN--as needed) Ativan for anxiety. Her SNF resisted a scheduled anti-anxiety drug (citing state regs). So her doctor discussed it with the facility's consulting pharmacist and put her on Lexapro (discontinuing the citalopram). I was told that Lexapro is an anti-depressant with anti-anxiety properties. The change was amazing. Her anxiety (bordering on hysteria at times) as almost entirely disappeared, without side effects. It was a great relief for all. Perhaps Lexapro might be something to consider.

Julianne

Pat..you mentioned your husband was on seroquel. My husband Norris is also on it, he began taking it last year, 2 25mg each night to help with the REM sleep, and it has worked. Then in the last six months or so the "sundowning" anxiety wanting to go home beginning in the early afternoon so the Dr. added one seroquel about 2 p.m. and it helped. Did you have to increase the seroquel like this? I wonder if there is a max amt or is it just really different like everything else Lewy? Carol

Yes, his Seroquel has been increased several times. It is very important that they start on a very small dose [and some physicians don't realize this]. He started out at 12.5mg [about two years ago] and has been on 50mg three times/day for about eight months. His combative behavior and agitation have been greatly reduced. I've heard of some taking more than 100mg two or three times a day.

We have a local support group member whose LBD husband takes 200mg or 250mg per day of Seroquel.