Rispiridone and Epilem for aggressive behaviour

[Vcal2017]

Hi there from AU:
My Dad has just been prescribed Rispiridone(?) and Epilem for his aggressive behaviour and his hard to manage mania. He’s in a nursing home. My brother and I are unclear on whether this is a medication you can be on for a long time? The doctor that prescribed it said it would ‘make him more comfortable’ which my brother took to mean palliative care, but I disagree.
Does anyone have some information or experience they could share?
thank you

Risperidone is an anti psychotic and can be used long term for the management of mania/aggression. The Epilim is an anti convulsant and these are commonly used as mood stabilisers, again, suitable for use long term. Neither drug is “palliative” so to speak.

What the doctor is implying is that the medication will help our dad remain calm. This is a much better state for him to be in than being aggressive and having psychotic episodes. Being in a state of permanent agitation is difficult for both your dad who won’t be able to understand, the staff trying to manage him and family when visiting seeing him visibly struggling and upset. They prescribed similar for my MIL when she went through psychosis and aggressive behaviour with vascular dementia and it was a game changer for her being calmer, more comfortable and more settled in herself. Your brother has got “the wrong end of the stick” as the phrase the doctor used is often associated with end of life. But in the context of dementia and Alzheimer’s it means what it says he will be more settled and comfortable.

Thank you both. Yes, I thought he has it wrong, in that it’s not a palliative measure. Thank you, your information really helps.