Seniors and Drug Reactions

Do you take prescription medications? How about over-the-counter medicines? Have you tried the new herbal supplements, minerals or vitamins?

Seniors often take up to six to eight drugs. All these ingredients can interact. Because a pill is rarely just one element, the components can “gang up” on the patient, resulting in overdose or serious side effects.

Seemingly innocent remedies that an individual casually takes and forgets to mention may cause the new medicine to be more potent, make a side effect more pronounced, or inhibit the benefit. For example, you’re taking blood pressure medicine, but then you develop a stuffy nose. You drop into the local pharmacy where you pick up a cold remedy. But, some decongestants can cause your blood pressure to rise!

Always take your medication as prescribed. You should follow the directions from your pharmacist or as printed on the label. Some medicines should be taken with food, while others need an empty stomach. Note other safety warnings about falls or drowsiness.

Establish a pill taking schedule. Patients and caregivers find a pill tray or daily medication reminder with sections for each day helpful. Never skip pills without letting your physician know. If side effects appear, immediately call your doctor. Also, if you forget a dosage, call to make sure that you can take it late. Two dosages too close together could be harmful.

If you have multiple doctors, always use the same pharmacy so that the pharmacist can check for drug interactions. Sometimes, the combination of drugs can cause problems. An alert pharmacist can help. Also, the pharmacist will explain new medications - make sure that you have the right pills as mistakes can happen at the doctor's office or in the pharmacy. Remember, the pharmacy has to read the doctor's handwriting!