What Affect Does Centrax Have on Dementia Patients?

Centrax may be prescribed in the short term to treat acute behavioral disturbances of dementia patients in countries other than the United States where the drug is unavailable.

Dementia

• Dementia refers to a group of symptoms caused by a variety of diseases and conditions that affect the brain. Symptoms of dementia may include memory loss, cognitive decline, impaired speech, diminished language capacity, behavioral disturbances, mood disturbances and hallucinations.

Centrax

• Centrax is the brand name of a benzodiazepine drug called prazepam. Benzodiazepines, which also include Xanax and Valium, are sedative drugs that reduce anxiety and agitation and relax muscles.

Treatment

• According to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), benzodiazepines should only be used to treat acute agitation of dementia patients when other types of drugs do not work, as benzodiazepines may exacerbate behavioral disturbances.

Side Effects

• Side effects of anti-anxiety drugs, such as Centrax, may include poor coordination, dizziness, fatigue and weakness. According to MayoClinic.com, benzodiazepines may induce delirium, an acute confused state, in dementia patients.

Warning

• According to Dr. William H. Coleman, a former president of the AAFP, who was quoted in a 2000 Family Practice News article, benzodiazepines cause sedation and confusion and increase the risk of falls and should be used only as a last resort for the treatment of anxiety among dementia patients.

Considerations

• Centrax has been discontinued and is no longer available in the United States. According to PrescriptionDrug-Info.com, though the abuse potential of Centrax may be somewhat lower than that of other benzodiazepines, it may be habit forming.