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Help for my 74 yr. old parents who take Vicodin like its candy
Both my parents are addicted to Vicodin. They take it several times a day to function. It could be a drive to the store, working in their yard or just plain relaxing.
My mother is depressed so she takes Celexa for depression along with cumidin her heart pills and then, on top of that, takes 2-3 vicodins a day.
She is sad, depressed and stays in bed most of the day. She lives in total seclusion.
My Dad, takes the Vicodin for pain, as he's had many back surgeries, rota-tor cuff surgeries, knee surgerees, etc.
He is becoming more agitated and is short on patience. Well.....they both are short of patience. And it seems to be lately that they are making rash decisions, like selling a house, giving away their furniture to friends or putting things on the side of the road for free. It's very mind boggling as they have 5 grandsons that could use the furniture. ?? Strange behaviors happening. I don't really want to get involved, but am worried about them.
Stuck with how to proceedd :/
My mother is depressed so she takes Celexa for depression along with cumidin her heart pills and then, on top of that, takes 2-3 vicodins a day.
She is sad, depressed and stays in bed most of the day. She lives in total seclusion.
My Dad, takes the Vicodin for pain, as he's had many back surgeries, rota-tor cuff surgeries, knee surgerees, etc.
He is becoming more agitated and is short on patience. Well.....they both are short of patience. And it seems to be lately that they are making rash decisions, like selling a house, giving away their furniture to friends or putting things on the side of the road for free. It's very mind boggling as they have 5 grandsons that could use the furniture. ?? Strange behaviors happening. I don't really want to get involved, but am worried about them.
Stuck with how to proceedd :/
Hello Shannon.
I appreciate your concern.
It sounds like your father has a diagnosis of chronic pain. You describe many of the symptoms of this disease. Imagine a life where you're in pain 24 hours a day. The Vicodin may take the edge off, but you're still in pain, with every movement, and perhaps a throbbing pain even without moving.
Chronic pain is itself a disease of the nervous system that comes from years of pain, especially when that pain is untreated.
Now, your mother may also have pain. Many elderly people do. But you report that her depression is her primary disease.
Is the citalopram (Celexa) working? Citalopram is an SSRI antidepressant that has some anti-anxiety properties. All SSRI antidepressants require a good 2 months to start working. If her depression is not improved, her doctor should try another antidepressant in the group, or perhaps try an SNRI -- similar, but works on an additional neurotransmitter.
Coumadin is an anticoagulant or what is commonly known as a "blood thinner." I despise that term -- no medication thins the blood. This class of medication prevents clotting, especially in the arteries that supply the heart in the treatment of atherosclerosis, or in the veins of the legs to prevent deep vein thrombosis.
Is your mother also in pain? Chronic pain is a major cause of depression. Could your mother be suffering from an undiagnosed chronic pain condition that is causing her depression, and moving her to self-medicate with Vicodin. Or is the Vicodin prescribed by her doctor?
Let me finish with this -- they are both on low doses of hydrocodone -- the opioid analgesic in Vicodin. If they are in pain, they need this medication.
I doubt if either are addicted to their medication. Addiction is a psychological problem that has associated behaviors of a preoccupation with acquiring drugs, and using them for non medical purposes.
These medications do cause physical dependence. People who take opioids regularly cannot just stop.
But there is a big difference between addiction and dependence.
What are your fears? Many Americans believe that the use of drugs with a potential for addiction should be avoided at all costs.
This is nonsense thinking. Pain drugs are here to treat pain. People who live in chronic intractable pain require these medications to maintain a certain quality of life. Pain patients rarely exhibit signs of drug addiction, and people in your parent's age group are unlikely to develop addictive behaviors.
The people who are not in pain and take these drugs do have addiction problems.
People in pain who take these medications as directed by their physician do so for good medical reasons.
There is nothing in low-dose Vicodin that would cause irrational behavior.
If their grandsons need furniture, perhaps they should ask? I really have no insight into your family dynamics -- that's not my role here.
I encourage more communication with your parents, and recommend now that you know the facts about pain medication, you keep an open mind and reserve your judgement about your parent's medical treatment.
I appreciate your concern.
It sounds like your father has a diagnosis of chronic pain. You describe many of the symptoms of this disease. Imagine a life where you're in pain 24 hours a day. The Vicodin may take the edge off, but you're still in pain, with every movement, and perhaps a throbbing pain even without moving.
Chronic pain is itself a disease of the nervous system that comes from years of pain, especially when that pain is untreated.
Now, your mother may also have pain. Many elderly people do. But you report that her depression is her primary disease.
Is the citalopram (Celexa) working? Citalopram is an SSRI antidepressant that has some anti-anxiety properties. All SSRI antidepressants require a good 2 months to start working. If her depression is not improved, her doctor should try another antidepressant in the group, or perhaps try an SNRI -- similar, but works on an additional neurotransmitter.
Coumadin is an anticoagulant or what is commonly known as a "blood thinner." I despise that term -- no medication thins the blood. This class of medication prevents clotting, especially in the arteries that supply the heart in the treatment of atherosclerosis, or in the veins of the legs to prevent deep vein thrombosis.
Is your mother also in pain? Chronic pain is a major cause of depression. Could your mother be suffering from an undiagnosed chronic pain condition that is causing her depression, and moving her to self-medicate with Vicodin. Or is the Vicodin prescribed by her doctor?
Let me finish with this -- they are both on low doses of hydrocodone -- the opioid analgesic in Vicodin. If they are in pain, they need this medication.
I doubt if either are addicted to their medication. Addiction is a psychological problem that has associated behaviors of a preoccupation with acquiring drugs, and using them for non medical purposes.
These medications do cause physical dependence. People who take opioids regularly cannot just stop.
But there is a big difference between addiction and dependence.
What are your fears? Many Americans believe that the use of drugs with a potential for addiction should be avoided at all costs.
This is nonsense thinking. Pain drugs are here to treat pain. People who live in chronic intractable pain require these medications to maintain a certain quality of life. Pain patients rarely exhibit signs of drug addiction, and people in your parent's age group are unlikely to develop addictive behaviors.
The people who are not in pain and take these drugs do have addiction problems.
People in pain who take these medications as directed by their physician do so for good medical reasons.
There is nothing in low-dose Vicodin that would cause irrational behavior.
If their grandsons need furniture, perhaps they should ask? I really have no insight into your family dynamics -- that's not my role here.
I encourage more communication with your parents, and recommend now that you know the facts about pain medication, you keep an open mind and reserve your judgement about your parent's medical treatment.
Phil offered great solid advice.My response is a bit tardy due to some av=cute medical issues - I apologize. I'd like to add my thoughts.
My mother also took several hydrocodone (Vicodin) a day for a failed back surgery and a knee that was bone on bone. She was no longer a good surgical risk and the knee pain had to be controlled with medication. I had siblings that called her an addict - even made fun of her and called her a "druggie."
My mother had good reason for pain and to take a few pain meds - just as it sounds like your parents do. If they are are unusual or act in a manner that you don't understand I too encourage you to talk to them. Getting older is not easy. Betty Davis said it better, "Old age is not for sissies."
Your parents may not have a lot of years left. If you love them (as I.m sure you do) help make these last years as good as they can be. Visit often, talk to them, bring them a meal now and again, mow their yard - help them. You'll never be sorry you did. When they leave this earth they'll be gone forever. That's longer than you can imagine.
My Best,
~Tuck
My mother also took several hydrocodone (Vicodin) a day for a failed back surgery and a knee that was bone on bone. She was no longer a good surgical risk and the knee pain had to be controlled with medication. I had siblings that called her an addict - even made fun of her and called her a "druggie."
My mother had good reason for pain and to take a few pain meds - just as it sounds like your parents do. If they are are unusual or act in a manner that you don't understand I too encourage you to talk to them. Getting older is not easy. Betty Davis said it better, "Old age is not for sissies."
Your parents may not have a lot of years left. If you love them (as I.m sure you do) help make these last years as good as they can be. Visit often, talk to them, bring them a meal now and again, mow their yard - help them. You'll never be sorry you did. When they leave this earth they'll be gone forever. That's longer than you can imagine.
My Best,
~Tuck
Hi Shannon. Its nice to see that you are on here looking to help your parents! And the advice from Tuckamore (Really sorry you had some issues Tuckamore), and Philnoir
I think is solid as a rock.I am a newbie on here and my view on those two is they have mega personal experience in what they tell you. IfI were you I would put a lot of trust in what they say, I cant enough good about them.
I have a little experience with my mom, except the pain med, similar to what you are seeing. A few years ago I noticed my mom started sitting around a lot. She was about 80-81 y/o then. I
talked to her about it and she said she just didnt have any energy anymore and was sleepy all the time . She was under a docs care and her labs had been OK. At the time I didn't keep up with her meds, my older sister and her daughter, an LPN did. I questioned her about her meds, which were several, and made a list, went home and googled. I discovered she was on an anti depressant. I went and asked her why she was taking it because I hadn't noticed her being depressed or her mentioning any problem at all to me. She said my sister and niece thought dhe needed it. Well I tod her if she didnt have depression she was getting off of it. She weaned off and the zombie effect went away and she got active again. I very nicely fired sister and niece and took over her healthcare. To this day and an aortic valve replacement later she is still alert and active. So consider that the med she is taking may be the reason she isn't active. And the amount of pain med they are taking really isn't a lot , just my opinion! Pain is an awful thing when you experience it 24/7. I wish you and your parents the very best. My post probably has typos and I cant go up to proof it! Sorry!
I think is solid as a rock.I am a newbie on here and my view on those two is they have mega personal experience in what they tell you. IfI were you I would put a lot of trust in what they say, I cant enough good about them.
I have a little experience with my mom, except the pain med, similar to what you are seeing. A few years ago I noticed my mom started sitting around a lot. She was about 80-81 y/o then. I
talked to her about it and she said she just didnt have any energy anymore and was sleepy all the time . She was under a docs care and her labs had been OK. At the time I didn't keep up with her meds, my older sister and her daughter, an LPN did. I questioned her about her meds, which were several, and made a list, went home and googled. I discovered she was on an anti depressant. I went and asked her why she was taking it because I hadn't noticed her being depressed or her mentioning any problem at all to me. She said my sister and niece thought dhe needed it. Well I tod her if she didnt have depression she was getting off of it. She weaned off and the zombie effect went away and she got active again. I very nicely fired sister and niece and took over her healthcare. To this day and an aortic valve replacement later she is still alert and active. So consider that the med she is taking may be the reason she isn't active. And the amount of pain med they are taking really isn't a lot , just my opinion! Pain is an awful thing when you experience it 24/7. I wish you and your parents the very best. My post probably has typos and I cant go up to proof it! Sorry!
Rascolivictim -Thank you for your very kind words - and on one of my posts filled with misspellings and a bit difficult to follow! My road is tough right now - but again thank you. What a wonderful son you are. I'm certain your mom is very proud of you and loves you very much. Keep on - Keeping on!
Shannon, Rascolivictim has offered some great suggestions. You may want to make a trip with your parents to their medical providers. Ask to review All the meds they are being prescribed - of course with HIPPA Laws you'll have to have their permission to be involved in their medical care - unless you already are that health care person.
We haven't heard back from you. I hope we'll hear from you soon.
~Tuck
Shannon, Rascolivictim has offered some great suggestions. You may want to make a trip with your parents to their medical providers. Ask to review All the meds they are being prescribed - of course with HIPPA Laws you'll have to have their permission to be involved in their medical care - unless you already are that health care person.
We haven't heard back from you. I hope we'll hear from you soon.
~Tuck
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