I've never seen these ads until a couple of days ago. There's a warning about it being dangerous for dementia patients. DH hasn't noticed anything about the ads, and doubt if he remembers the names of the meds he takes, so it hasn't been a problem. I'm thinking of those of you who may have family and/or friends who are critical of your LO's meds and are going to jump all over you about this.
I've known about this for some time. I'm with Joan, what friends and family don't know can't hurt US :o) We are the only ones who truly understand why we make the choices we do. If "they" don't like it, offer to have your loved one go live with them......they'll shut up fast!
The other day I was asking my PCP for ativan or something if my husband became agitated the way he did with the UTI. I said "I have some seroquel.. (and was going to finish.. that they gave him in the hospital but it doesn't work right with him)" and he broke in and said oh, no I will NOT prescribe seroquel. Let the neuro do it if he wants it, but I've seen too many problems, and not just with dementia patients. He must have seen that ad or have it thrown to him. Me, I say, go for it if it works! He did give me some ativan.
My husband is on seroquel and both his neurologist and psychiatrist believe in giving it if it works. As his neurologist told me at my husband's last visit "any" drug can have dangerous side effects to someone. If we let every side effect listed affect how we take some medications (when needed), we wouldn't even be taking aspirin. Risperadal has the same type of warning but we use it when needed--my husband can't take it but the seroquel has worked.
When my LO was so agitated he was put on seroquel. He has been on it for two years, but now only a small dosage at night. The doctor said it would shorten his life. It was another one of those choices i had to make. Use the med or find another care home. It saved the day.
It's justbeen a lifesaver. DH says he feels better than he has in years. Without Seroquel his agitation would get him in serious trouble everywhere he goes. With it, life can be almost normal.