My dad had advanced dementia and parkinsonism. His psychiatrist put him Wellbutrin and Seroquel 25 mg for sleep.

Wellbutrin jacks the heart rate up and has stimulative properties to the point most prisons no longer prescribe it.

My mother took the max dose of Wellbutrin for 8 years and it improved her life. I prayed daily for her TO die when she had advanced dementia bc it's cruel to keep an elder alive in such a condition, imo! Sundowning, wandering and sleeplessness are not very pleasant symptoms to deal with. Your father is at peace now and questioning the doctor serves no purpose at this point.

My condolences on your loss.

I'm sorry for your's dad's passing.

Are you trying to look backwards and figure out what went 'wrong'?

There is no upside to doing that. Your dad died because he was old and sick. The seroquel dosage was small (I take 100 mgs at bedtime--have for years) and it really helps me be able to go back to sleep when I awaken). The Wellbutrin is also just an antidepressant and who knows why he was prescribed that? Many elder at the EOL start taking meds that help calm them. My MIL is on several tranqulizers, and I also believe one antidepressant to help with her moods, which are all over the place.

Are you feeling some guilt b/c you think you did something wrong? You didn't. Maybe asking the Drs why each drug was being prescribed at the time--but you can't go back in time and change anything.

I highly doubt that small dose of Seroquel did anyting bad to your dad. Same with the Wellbutrin.

I hope you can grieve your dad's passing appropriately and not beat yourself up over it.

One symptom with Seroquel is fast heartrate. I think you should ask his cardiologist about this. Wellbutrin is for depression.

I find that doctors have no idea how a med will interact with other meds or care about the side effects. They are told by a salesman, this works for such and such. And they get kickbacks for prescribing a certain med. Its good that you advocate for Dad. I did for my Mom too.

This is a very common drug that seems to be doing a GOOD DEAL more good than harm.

In what way do you suspect this medication is being harmful?
Have you read all the literature on this drug and your dad's condition?
Are you the MPOA for your father, and if so have you discussed this medication with his MD?
If you are not MPOA, who is?

If you are looking at the side effects portion of the drug literature I invite you to look at the one for aspirin. If you do it's unlikely you will ever take that or any other pill again.

Hope you can give us more information, and especially about your discussion with your father's physician about medications ordered for him? Do understand we are not MDs. We are lay people who can only guess at your father's medical history, what will work, and what won't.

Wishing you the best.

I did Not Know your Dad Passed . Seroquel at 25 mg is a Low dose and wellburitn was a rather weak antidepressant back in the Old days . I did Give you some advice for calming CBD that you can order samples from Happy hemp Buddha and I am ordering the Sleepy Latte from Clever Blends . For My PTSD and anxieties I went to the Community acupuncture clinic and it really helped me meditate and focus . Any Form of meditation Thomas Victor Carroll on Instagram does a free meditation 3 times a week on Quiksilver and His Page - it is free. You can take classes at the UPAYA Zen center for free or By Donation . Joan Halifax and Frank are wonderful teachers they do a meditation every Morning you can Join . Many of the courses are designed for caregivers . Your Dad Passed - do Not think it was the medicine .

Any and all meds can “be very dangerous”. Side effects can differ in people. The dosage he took was nowhere near an OD level and is in no way a cause of his death.

I shout it here often…

Meds are not the enemy.

Psych meds are not designed to kill old people.

Facilities, hospitals and hospice care are not out to kill old people.

Alicja, I'm so sorry for the loss of your dad.

25mg of Seroquel is a tiny dose. If it helped dad get good sleep, it was a good move.

Wellbutrin is often used for elders with sundowning. It is very mild.

It sounds like you attach some stigma to psychiatric drugs. They are tools that can increase the quality of life for folks with dementia and their caregivers. Seems like a win-win to me.

Wellbutrin is relatively Mild its usually for depression . Seroquel is heavy and Is used for Sleep . I think you are safe - you could switch the Seroquel for a small about of Valium . 2.5 mg . You could try CBD Oil Or gummies for sleep - Give after dinner . Happy Hemp Buddha will send you samples If you Pay for shipment . They Have Creams also with CBD - The Lavender cream and sports cream is one of My Favorites . Charlottes web has a CBD with Melatonin . Clever Blends Has a Latte with Herbs, Valerian, Hops , Mushrooms , Passion flower that tastes Like cocoa and is good for you - That is One for Sleep and My Favorite .