Caregiver Support

HELP FOR THE HELPERS

Useful tips and resources for caregivers

Being a caregiver for someone experiencing agitation related to bipolar I or II disorderschizophrenia is no simple task.

It takes a lot of patience, compassion, and strength to help a loved one during an episode, especially if that person rejects your efforts.

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Spot the signs of agitation early

Though every episode can be different, being able to quickly recognize the signs of agitation is an important first step to keep the agitation from worsening. The earlier you recognize them, the better the chance you may have at trying to help your loved one manage an episode before it becomes a crisis.

Speak calmly and try to reassure your loved one that you are listening

This can be tough, but by keeping yourself calm, you may be able to help the situation; or at least keep it from getting worse.

Create a safe, calm environment

Trying to make your loved one feel comfortable may prevent their agitation from escalating.

Some strategies include:

Adjusting background stimulus
- Consider dimming the lights, playing soothing music, or offering your loved one food or drink
Giving them space
- It’s important to give your loved one a respectful amount of space when they are experiencing an episode. This can help keep you both safe

Know when to seek medical attention

While not every episode will require a trip to a medical facility, it is possible that your loved one’s agitation may continue to increase beyond their control. You can try reaching out to their healthcare provider or make the judgment call and decide when it’s time to seek medical attention.

Advocate for your loved one

Once at a medical facility, your loved one may need your help to communicate with staff if they cannot. You may be used to assisting with paperwork or providing medical history. Depending on your relationship to your loved one, you may also engage with staff in discussions about preferred medications and treatment options, like IGALMI.

Being familiar with this information in advance is a great way to ensure your loved one receives a course of treatment they are comfortable with in a timely fashion.

Don’t forget to take care of yourself

Without the right support, caregivers can become physically and mentally exhausted. Ensuring you are taking adequate care of yourself is key to remaining healthy and being able to provide the best possible care. Some things to remember:

Take time for yourself and your own needs. Make sure you’re getting time alone or spending time with friends in order to relax and do the things
you enjoy
Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and drink plenty of water every day
Watch for signs of stress or changes in your own mood. Keep an eye out for loss of appetite, trouble sleeping, or difficulty concentrating
Don’t overload yourself. Set limits and realistic goals for what you can do in a day or a week
Give yourself credit. You are doing a wonderful thing and making a difference

Interested in sharing your experience with IGALMI? Apply to be a B.E.A.C.O.N. Program Ambassador.

Through the B.E.A.C.O.N. Program, you may have the opportunity to share your experience with IGALMI. Contact us by email at info@beacon-program.com or phone at 1-888-670-8240.

Finding your own support

There are many resources and support groups for caregivers that you may find useful.

US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

HHS’s mission is to enhance the health and well-being of all Americans. Its agencies provide a wealth of resources for all types of caregivers.

Visit Site

National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC)

NAC is dedicated to improving the quality of life for caregivers and those in their care. It offers educational and support resources, as well as advocacy.

Visit Site

The Caregiver Action Network (CAN)

CAN serves a broad range of family caregivers and offers helpful information, tools, and a sprawling online community that discusses many of the issues caregivers face.

Visit Site

This is not a complete list of available support groups. BioXcel Therapeutics, Inc. does not recommend or endorse any
specific support group.

Understand how IGALMI could help your loved one

Get to know IGALMI

Help your loved one create an Agitation Action Plan

Start your plan

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IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

IGALMI can cause serious side effects, including:

Decreased blood pressure, low blood pressure upon standing, and slower than normal heart rate, which may be more likely in patients with low blood volume, diabetes, chronic high blood pressure, and older patients. IGALMI is taken under the supervision of a healthcare provider who will monitor your vital signs (like blood pressure and heart rate) and alertness after you take IGALMI to prevent you from falling or fainting. Make sure you are adequately hydrated and sit or lie down after taking IGALMI. Tell your healthcare provider if you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or faint.

WHAT IS IGALMI?

IGALMI™ (dexmedetomidine) sublingual film is a prescription medicine that is placed under your tongue or behind your lower lip and is used for the acute treatment of agitation associated with bipolar disorder I or IIschizophrenia in adults. The safety and effectiveness of IGALMI has not been studied beyond 24 hours from the first dose. It is not known if IGALMI is safe and effective in children.

Heart rhythm changes (QT interval prolongation). You should not take IGALMI if you have an abnormal heart rhythm, a history of an irregular heartbeat, slow heart rate, low potassium, low magnesium, and if you are taking other drugs that affect your heart rhythm. Taking IGALMI if you have a history of abnormal heart rhythm can increase the risk of torsades de pointes and sudden death. Tell your healthcare provider immediately if you feel faint or have heart palpitations.
Sleepiness/drowsiness. Do not do activities requiring mental alertness, such as driving or operating hazardous machinery, for at least 8 hours after taking IGALMI.
Withdrawal reactions, tolerance, and decreased response/efficacy. IGALMI was not studied for longer than 24 hours after the first dose. Physical dependence, withdrawal symptoms (e.g., nausea, vomiting, agitation), and decreased response to IGALMI may occur if IGALMI is used longer than 24 hours.

The most common side effects of IGALMI in clinical studies were sleepiness or drowsiness, a prickling or tingling sensation or numbness of the mouth, dizziness, dry mouth, low blood pressure, and low blood pressure upon standing.

These are not all the possible side effects of IGALMI. Speak with your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects.

Tell your healthcare provider about your medical history, including if you suffer from any known heart problems, low potassium, low magnesium, low blood pressure, low heart rate, diabetes, high blood pressure, history of fainting, or liver impairment. Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or take any medicines, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take any drugs that lower your blood pressure, change your heart rate, or take anesthetics, sedatives, hypnotics, and opioids.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1‑800‑FDA‑1088. You can also contact BioXcel Therapeutics, Inc. at 1-833-201-1088 or medinfo@bioxceltherapeutics.com.

Please see full Prescribing Information.