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Jackie Turner wrote: > > Hello, > > My mother has advanced PD and has been hallucinating for the past year. This > was coupled with paranoia in some instances and she now takes Haldol every > night to calm her and maintain an even disposition. She has a prescription > for Clozaril that won't start until this week. The dr recommended another > drug new to the market but her HMO wouldn't pay for it. Is anyone familiar > with Clozaril and have they noticed an improvement? > > Also, my mother falls frequently and has had stitches in her head at least > three times. She doesn't appear to want to help herself be healthy by doing > exercises or having a healthy diet. Right now she is in a nursing home > because of the paranoia and I am not too concerned with her diet since it is > monitored. It seems though, that if she had her way, she would just sit all > day doing nothing but sleeping and have people wait on her hand and foot. > How can I motivate her to help herself? Is it common for PD victims to > sleep so frequently? What about memory? We have had the same conversation > at least 20 times about why she can't live alone in an apartment. > > I will appreciate any information on the above topics. I'm glad to have > found the list, I just subscribed yesterday, but am looking forward to > discussing these topics. Thanks :) > > Jackie ([log in to unmask]) Jackie, Welcome to the list. Has someone recommended the list for caregivers also. I hastened to answer your message since my dad has been on Clozaril for a number of years with good results. It does not totally eliminate the hallucinations and paranoia, but it is much improved. It has no significant side effects and causes no problems with his other meds which are many. It does require the weekly blood tests which are good since it got my mother to accept home health care which helps alot. Your mother's lack of motivation, might improve with an antidepressant. My mother vehemently told me Dad was not depressed(I am an RN and know that PWP do have depression often). Finally she got Prozac from the neuro for both of them and they each improved. It also does not interact negatively with the other meds. Good luck - it is a challenge. Gail Post Honolulu HI