Possible hallucinations?

Wow, what a dreadful situation! According to Google, Hallucinations can be seen, heard, felt, or even smelled. And while we usually associate hallucinations with recreational drugs like LSD, one well-known prescription drug that may also cause hallucinations is the sleep aid Lunesta. Side effects of Ambien also include possible hallucinations, not to mention that individuals who co-administer Ambien at high doses with drugs such as anti-depressants, alcohol, benzodiazepines, other sedatives or sleeping pills/tranquilizers, or anti-anxiety medications used are more likely to develop adverse side effects like hallucinations. Hallucinations may include auditory, visual, or tactile hallucinations.

So, maybe your mother is thinking that demons are attacking her due to combining sleeping pills with anti-anxiety medication. I would think her psychiatrist should have an idea about that and want to take her off of all meds to see if she has an improvement. It shocks me that doctors wouldn't try such a thing as their FIRST course of treatment in such an extreme situation!

If the medications aren't at the root of this matter, then it sounds like she needs psychiatric evaluation at the hospital. The situation is not tolerable for you OR for her, especially since it's been going on for months. I'm so sorry you're all going through such a terrible ordeal.

I hope you can find answers SOON! Best of luck

Your mother passed the dementia testing? Were they done by a qualified neuropsychiatrist?
It is time to return with your diary of what is happening. Is it happening only at night? It is sounding like some Lewy's bodies symptoms. Does she have trouble with an unsteady gait or ever have trouble swallowing? Does she live with you?
My brother's Lewy's hallucinations always hit at night, with exception of some few brought on by the day with marble walls, busy carpets, or other highly patterned things. He said the day ones transformed people into "deamonic looking". At night he could see whole visions of immigrant woman and baby, of a pool party outside the window, etc. He was diagnosed by symptoms according to diaries and descriptions of these "visions". They were worse with any anxiety.
Assisted living made them almost a thing of the past.
I think you are either dealing with mental illness (is there a history) or of undiagnosed dementia. In either case it may be time to consider placement. I am so sorry you are going through all this, and wish you and Mom good luck.

She may have a urine infection has this been checked?

Make sure she is not dehydrated, hallucinations can be triggered by that mixed with UTIs, and are scary for all.

This must be a Very distressing situation- for your mother and for you! You have a lot of good advice here, like ruling out a UTI and looking into medication side effects, evaluating dementia. Of course those should be addressed. You don’t say whether your mom is religious , but have you considered having a minister/clergy person come and pray with her? Maybe that would afford her some measure of peace. Wishing you a quick resolve.

Hi everyone, I have a very similar situation with my mother expect she lives with my dad pretty far away. She won’t talk to me on the phone because she thinks whoever is calling is an imposter. I haven’t had any communication with her since the pandemic started and I lose a lot of sleep over it. The major problem we have is she refuses to see a doctor because she thinks they will lock her up in an insane asylum. Any idea what we can do short of calling an ambulance and forcing her into the hospital?

Serenity, I am so sorry you and your mom are going through this. My dad was having similar hallucinations. They were completely frightening to him. He started sleeping in a dining room chair with a blanket over his head due to these unsettling hallucinations. He was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia. Also, he was not hydrating himself enough. Medication and moving to assisted living helped tremendously. Keeping dated notes and sending to the neurologist will be a huge help. Again, I understand what you are experiencing and it is mentally and physically taxing.

Try flavored CBD oil . Half dropper of 1000 mg dose. Really helps a lot

The anxiety medications don't seem to be working. If her psychiatrist won't work with you to try different meds, maybe it's time to change psychatrists. You might also benefit from some counseling about how best to deal with a parent who is not acting logically. Don't take anything personally. Sometimes it's ok to play along with them. With children, you'd check all the closets and under the bed to reassure them that there is nothing there. Would that help with your mother? Sometimes a stuffed animal or blanket with 'special powers' might help.

You'll find being a caregiver for a parent that you're much more equipped to handle situations than you may think.

Good luck.

My 99 yr. old mom was taking Escitaloprám for sleep and anxiety. After a few weeks she started having hallucinations at night and also had one episode during the day. After researching the med on Google and getting the information about the med I stopped immediately and contacted the doctor that confirmed the info and agreed with stopping this med.

This is interesting my grandmother said the same thing who never had dementia, she was in her 80s and lived on a farm in Kentucky. Once she took a shot at the demon they put her in a home but who’s to say there wasn’t one.

When I worked for a Swami on an ashram he was also in his 80s and in hospice he also saw demons and they told him he wasn’t seeing them which put him in distress. When we are closer to the other side maybe we can see things others can’t, in both cases both were highly spiritual and on no medication.

In truth we don’t know what they can see, I wanted to tell the Swami my grandmother saw them too in case that gave him peace but I didn’t want to go against the ashram.

Maybe there is comfort in validation, put a bible out or say the Lord’s Prayer. Give them something to work with like we do when our kids see monsters in the night.

is she drinking enough water? has she been checked for a UTI?, and like someone else said, maybe its the meds she is taking, even though she passed the dementia test doesn't mean that maybe there isn't still something going on in her brain area.  And of course we aren't all lucky to have Dr. Phil send us for a complete diagnostic neurological scan (stuff), but it definitely sounds like something has changed.  wishing you luck.

My 72yo husband had a psychotic episode when given Ativan and had to be restrained and sedated. He literally was like Linda Blair in The Exorcist. Stop the Ativan and seek another professional opinion for your mother’s meds.

Hi..
I saw this. Had to respond. What is she using for sleep-aid??
Ambien causes hallucinations, bad dreams, causes ppl to walk in their sleep & an entire host of
Very scary things.
Happened to me...pls look at medications closely
Thx

CTA scan with contrast, (Angiography aka Arteriography)

Based on your post, it sounds like your mother needs that specific scan CTA, with contrast.

Perspective:
In 2017 a patient had an embolism (blood clot) in his/her brain. That pt. reported that s/he would hallucinate a few hours after ingesting his/her Rx.

When the pt. landed into our realm, a Neurological eval that included a series of scans MRI +CT found a blood clot in his/her brain (embolism Rt-MCA). The CTA with contrast, clarified no other blood clots were present, and provided better insight into an aneurysm behind his/her right eye

All in all talk with her GP about referring her to a Neurologist for a full eval.

Disclamer: ONLY HER M.D. can assess and diagnose,
This response is only perspective based, and is possibly written by a cat.

Serenity,
my husband, also 81, is in the advanced stages of Parkinson’s disease and about a year ago started having hallucinations - thankfully not as frightening, but disturbing. We’ve been on the carousel of meds for a while, but a sleep med and anti anxiety med have been a constant. I have found that when his neurologist adds a new medication or adjusts dosage on other meds (especially MAO inhibitors) there is a period of adjustment and his hallucinations and freezing episodes increase. I’ve learned not to pick up a 90day supply of any new medication (I love doctors that want to “try” a $400 med). I get 2 or 3 weeks. If there’s improvements great, but sometimes there is significant decline and we take him off, or cut dosage.
when the hallucinations come, I sit with him and we talk through it, maybe determine why he is seeing what he sees.
we have the new challenge of Sundowning. I don’t know what it’s like to get a good nights sleep anymore.

Maybe they can increase her meds or change them. My Mother had lewy body dementia and had audio hallucinations. It was scary. They put her on risperidone and it seemed to help.

If this is not medication related, is she religious? If so one thing you could try is to have your priest, clergyman, or other religious leader come and bless the house. If catholic she can also receive anointing of the sick. Just speaking to them (religious leader) may help alleviate her fears. The brain can act in strange ways depending on the situation, eg guilt, blocking distressing experiences, etc. I have 3 separate stories from people of different ages about "seeing " and speaking to heavenly beings, my grandmother who passed away on the operating table and swore the Virgin Mary told her it wasn't her time yet, she had more to do on earth, my father in law who had a conversation with Jesus before a major surgery, and lastly my son, who was in second grade at the time, he had issues with reading comprehension so math story problems were hard for him to understand. After taking a couple of tests that were all story problems and scoring 100% in record time I asked him how he could do his tests so quickly yet it would take hours to do his homework, he answered grandpa tells me the answers (grandpa had been gone for 2 years already) all 3 instances raised goosebumps on my arms. I can only imagine the fear she experiences and the stress you are under not being able to alleviate her distress. Prayers for all of you. I hope you are able to get relief from this terrible situation.

You have answered your own question. For whatever reasons, her mind is not functioning and normal and her behavior is upsetting you and destroying you - and I assure you it will get worse. You cannot keep her in your home and must seek help in placing her into a secure facility. It is time to think of YOU first now.

Imho, medications that she may be taking could be manifesting into hallucinogenic thoughts. Prayers sent.

the medications she is on are stopping her from getting deep sleep. Any person deprived of deep sleep becomes psychotic rapidly. Please understand that the doctors have nothing to offer except drugs & surgery. Neither restore health. They temporarily ease symptoms...and cause further problems & rapid decline in health
I highly doubt your doctors will agree to wean her off or even reduce the dosages
I'd recommend you consider calling some herbalists and naturopathic physicians in your area. Speak to them about weaning your mother off the medication while building her up with natural supplements foods and herbs.
Some will be agreeable to discussing treatment, others will not.
I did this for my 84 years old Grandfather.He had problems with insomnia, bladder, prostate, peripheral neuropathy, depression...a long list
He was on 5 medications & I weaned him off over about 3 or 4 months...One medication at a time. I made sure he was taking the herbs, distilled water, fresh vegetable juices..and had regular blood tests. He had no problems, and slowly but surely his health problems have gone away. He has now been off all the meds for about 2 years..and sleeps all night..doesn't have any neuropathy. When he gets depressed (which is relatively often ..at least once a week) I send him off to the colonic irrigation lady...and make him lots of sage tea with honey to drink. He like the sweet tangy taste so drinks it all done. Then he's back to enjoying life again..and out of that dark "poor me" tunnel... Herbal powders teas, and i send him regularly..once a week..sometimes twice for colonic irrigations.
It does Not weaken the bowel as some might suggest...its the opposite...it strengthens the bowel. "Tissue Cleansing Through Bowel Management " by dr Bernard Jensen is avail on Amazon...easy to read..only a few $. He wrote the book after 60 years of clinical work with the very sick.
It will explain & clarify a lot for you about health & disease
A warm bath with plenty of epsom salts (5 or 6 cups) and lavender essential oil
And a tea of chamomile and catnip (2 tea bags of each in a tea pot). Serve with honey does help with relaxing so the body can 'change gears' to sleep
Check her last blood tests for iron, ferritin & b12. Anemia in the elderly is very high numbers. And often goes unnoticed. Or is overlooked.
One can have "low normal" blood results & still be having symptoms.
Its called "sub clinical deficiency"
Anemia symptoms include insomnia, tiredness, lethargy, constipation, depression.
By law you can access your Mothers medical records. Blood results are easy to understand. You can google anything you don't understand...all the information is available online to translate anything you are not sure of.
If you don't see the above tests, request they be done asap for your Mother
Additionally: please do take good care of yourself. Please. I know what a heavy burden my Grandfather can be at times. And you used the same words i think "I can't take anymore" "Im not equipped for this"
I now make sure to take time for myself...take the above measure i mentioned for your Mother...iron & b12, ashwaganda powder to steady my nerves & it helps with deep sleep, herb teas, warm scented epsom salt baths. going for long walks each day. Dressing nicely & putting on some jewelry & a little make up...just to feel feminine & pretty again. Even if its just to walk...and go to the store :)) This is our lives. Not a rehearsal
Make the most of each day as its going by :)

Sleep paralysis ?-- scary stuff with hallucinations...worth checking out.  Also a UTI in a person this age can result in hallucinations. So, not only check medications by side effects of diagnosis.

I facilitate two dementia caregiver support groups and have heard many similar experiences. Her hallucinations and delusions are very real to her and telling her that they are not will only add fuel to her fire and agitate her further. One of members of my support group's mother was convinced that a family had moved into the back room of her house. She saw them coming and going and could not get rid of them by locking the doors and telling them to leave. This went on for weeks. He finally said, "I'll take care of this, Mom," and noisily stomped into the back room slamming doors as he went. He then proceeded to slam more doors and yell that they must leave immediately or else he would call the police. He returned to his Mom's room and said, "I took care of it Mom, they are gone for good." She never saw them again.

please make sure she gets a thorough physical examination. Hallucinations can be causes by toxins from Infections, blood chemistry imbalances, tumors, and poor oxygenation Of course, some may have psychiatric origins or if she is spiritually- inclines from supernatural sources. I would go with visits in this order: medical doctor, then psychiatric doctor, and lastly a spiritual/faith leader. Usually folks can be more likely to hallucinate when they are tired and get Sundowner/s syndrome.

Does your mother have Dementia? If you don't know i would get her checked for it. My mother had dementia, she thought people were wishing her dead. At times it was due to an infection. Good luck with your investigations. Sending love and prayers

Something other than hallucinations is going on with your mom. Why is she taping her legs & socks? If they are loose, buy her a size smaller. That answer might help with our responses. She needs to see a geriatric doctor to fully examine her, draw blood, & R/O other causes for the demons. A visit to a neurologist maybe necessary to diagnose a dementia. Speak with a Pharmacist about her meds, side effects, & contraindication. Speak with the psychiatrist about a med rest to see if symptoms reside & slowly introduce necessary meds as needed. If all else fails, maybe a weighted blanket to cover up with may help & a Bible by her bed. Could she be having night terrors? Try staying in the room with her while sleeping to see if she's restless, talks, gets up, etc. I certainly hope that some of our suggestions help you find the answer to your mom's demons. I know that it's frustrating when you are looking for answers & can't seem to find any. Good luck!

I had a Great Aunt that was put on meds for sleep and anxiety, guess what? She started hallucinating and I said to my Mom at that time I bet it's a side effect from at least one of the medications. Mom took Great Aunt back to the doctor who weaned her off the meds and the hallucinations stopped.

Not saying that this is true in your Mom's case but it's very possible.

I didn't read all the responses but a UTI can also cause hallucinations.

Best to you!

Is she, or has she been overly religious ? I’ve dealt with several people who were full blown members of jehovahs witnesses and dealing physically with demons was a real concern for them. One lady would rake the carpet around her bed at night, and then be alarmed in the morning because of the demon footprints in the room. Her cat would walk around the house at night and it was obvious that was the originator of the demon prints.